Sydney, 08 January (H.S.): Australia sealed the Ashes series 4-1 on Thursday with a nail-biting five-wicket victory over England in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), capping a match brimming with drama—from a turning pitch on day five and umpiring controversies to palpable pressure in the closing moments.

England's third innings saw Jacob Bethell blaze a magnificent 154, setting Australia a victory target of 160 runs. Australia's chase faltered dramatically, their fifth wicket tumbling with 39 runs still needed, but Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) forged a tense yet match-defining 40-run sixth-wicket stand to steer the hosts home.Carey struck the winning runs off Will Jacks' bowling.

Josh Tongue led England's fightback with gritty figures of 3/42 from 11 overs, but the absence of a seasoned spinner proved costly as the pitch offered sharp turn. Captain Ben Stokes, battling a groin injury, led resolutely yet vented frustration over yet another contentious DRS decision.

A poignant moment unfolded when Usman Khawaja strode out for his final Test innings. Ben Stokes honored him with a guard of honor, but Khawaja mustered just 6 before Josh Tongue bowled him.

Departing, he embraced Marnus Labuschagne, waved to his family, and paid tribute to the on-field Thanks Uzzy message.Australia shed wickets at regular intervals during the chase—Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne fell early—while England's part-time spinners failed to shift momentum. Heated exchanges erupted between Jake Weatherald and Brydon Carse, sparked by DRS disputes.

Bethell earned Player of the Match honors, while Mitchell Starc, with 31 wickets and 156 runs across the series, claimed Player of the Series. England's overseas woes persist, winning just five of their last 17 away Tests, as Australia reaffirmed home dominance in another unforgettable Ashes campaign.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar