Australia wrap up dominant Ashes series with five-wicket victory

England’s Ashes misadventure came to a familiar conclusion in Sydney, where a superior Australia side took the final Test by five wickets to tie up a comprehensive 4-1 win.

Whether the end of a troubled tour also spells the definitive end of the ‘Bazball’ era remains to be seen, but change of some kind is surely in the works after a two-month trip which has exposed clear gaps in the preparation, practice and philosophy of a regime.

Head coach Brendon McCullum, managing director of cricket Rob Key and captain Ben Stokes have led the project for the past three-and-a-half years and it is likely each will be called to offer their own vision for the future as the England and Wales Cricket Board decide on the fates of the leadership group.

The last day of the series had an end-of-term looseness, Australia losing five batters in a messy pursuit of 160 but still taking care of business.

Australia win the fifth and final Ashes Test by five wickets. pic.twitter.com/tI2I80cdFS

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 8, 2026

With Stokes unfit to bowl, Josh Tongue led with heart as he claimed three for 42, again showing why his omission from the first two Tests was a mistake.

Will Jacks removed Steve Smith with a ripper in a mixed spell that does little to clear up his uncertain role going forward and Usman Khawaja was dismissed for six in his farewell knock. Matthew Potts, completely frozen out of the attack after his first-innings horror show, found his own way of getting involved by running out Marnus Labuschagne.

The SCG saw final contributions from the two standout players – both Australian, naturally – as Travis Head’s cameo took his series record to 629 runs at 62.90 and Mitchell Starc bagged two more wickets to close with