Australia held their nerve to chase down a target of 160 on the final day in Sydney, winning the fifth Ashes Test by five wickets and clinching the series 4-1. The victory at the SCG was secured shortly after 2.30pm local time, with Alex Carey providing the winning moment with a drive through extra cover off Will Jacks.
England's hopes rested on a strong performance, but they were once again left to rue missed chances. Jacob Bethell's brilliant 154 on debut was a highlight for the tourists, but it was not enough to prevent another defeat. Ben Stokes watched from first slip as his side fell short, a recurring theme in a chastening tour that saw the Ashes lost in a record-equalling 11 days.
Australia's dominance was built on superb performances from Travis Head, who ended the series with 629 runs at 69.2, and Mitchell Starc, whose 31 wickets at 19 apiece matched the feats of Mitchell Johnson in 2013-14. Scott Boland's accuracy and Alex Carey's work behind the stumps and with the bat also proved decisive.
The run chase was not without its moments of tension. Australia slipped to 71 for two at lunch, with Head caught off Josh Tongue and Jake Weatherald falling for 34. Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja departed cheaply after the break, and when Marnus Labuschagne was run out, the hosts still needed 39 with five wickets in hand. However, Carey and Cameron Green steadied the innings to guide Australia home.
England had added 40 more runs to their overnight 302 for eight before Starc wrapped up the innings with the second new ball, finishing with figures of 31 wickets in the series. Bethell's dismissal for 154 brought an end to a fine knock, but it was not enough to deny Australia a comprehensive series victory.
