Australia wins Ashes series 4-1 with a five-wicket victory in Sydney

By Canadian Press on January 7, 2026.

SYDNEY (AP) — Australia completed a 4-1 Ashes series victory with a five-wicket win in the fifth and final cricket test on Thursday.

The Australians bowled England out for 342 on the fifth morning of the series finale and were chasing 160 for victory.

Tension grew with a succession of wickets and a contentious DRS review before Alex Carey hit the winning runs to guide the Australians to 161 for five in 31 overs.

Carey finished unbeaten on 16, Cameron Green was unbeaten on 22, and 39-year-old Usman Khawaja was sent into retirement with a victory.

The Australians retained the Ashes after winning the first three tests. England rebounded to win the fourth test in Melbourne.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

The Associated Press

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