Key Takeaways
- Australia won the fifth Ashes Test, sealing a 4-1 series victory over England
- The team chased a target of 160, reaching it with five wickets in hand
- Usman Khawaja did not get a fairytale finish at the SCG, but received a warm reception from the crowd and England’s players
- The match saw a dramatic middle session with a flurry of wickets, keeping the outcome uncertain until the end
Introduction to the Match
The fifth Ashes Test at the SCG ended with a dramatic middle session, as Australia hung on to seal a 4-1 series victory over England. The team was chasing a modest target of 160, which they reached with five wickets in hand, midway through a lively afternoon of action in front of 25,847 fans. The crowd was electric, and the players were determined to give it their all in the final match of the series. Usman Khawaja, playing his last international match, received a warm reception from the crowd and England’s players as he walked onto the field for the final time.
Khawaja’s Farewell
Usman Khawaja’s farewell match did not quite go as he had hoped, but he still managed to make an impact on the game. As he walked onto the SCG for the final time as an international cricketer, he was greeted with a guard of honour formed by England’s players. The reception was warm and respectful, acknowledging Khawaja’s contributions to the sport and his connection to the ground as a NSW player. Khawaja started strong, with a deft lap shot for four off his second delivery, but a thick edge on four was almost snaffled by Ben Stokes at a wide first slip. Despite the near-miss, Khawaja continued to play his game, but ultimately did not get the fairytale finish he had hoped for.
The Game in Balance
The game was still in the balance at 3-102, with Marnus Labuschagne on 20, when Australia’s No.3 was given a reprieve. Jacob Bethell spilled a chance in the gully, giving Labuschagne a second life. Moments later, Steve Smith (12) was bowled by a beauty from Will Jacks, sending a scare through the Australian dressing room. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the game hung in the balance, with England’s slim hopes of victory still alive. The Australian team, however, remained focused and determined to seal the series victory.
A Dramatic Middle Session
The middle session of the match was nothing short of dramatic, with a flurry of wickets keeping the outcome uncertain until the end. Australia lost 3-29, ensuring that there would be one final twist on the 18th and final afternoon of the series. The English team fought hard to stay in the game, but ultimately, Australia’s batting depth and determination proved too much for them. The crowd was treated to a thrilling session of cricket, with twists and turns that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion and Series Victory
In the end, Australia emerged victorious, sealing a 4-1 series victory over England. The team’s performance was a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they deservedly celebrated their win. Usman Khawaja, despite not getting the fairytale finish he had hoped for, was still hailed as a hero by the crowd and his teammates. The series victory marked a significant milestone for Australian cricket, and the team will look to build on this success in the future. As the players left the field, they were met with applause and cheers from the crowd, basking in the glory of their well-deserved win.