Australia completed a famous series triumph as they secured an Ashes win after nervy chase in the fifth Test at the SCG. Chasing a modest but tricky target on a difficult pitch, the hosts held their nerve to win the match by five wickets and seal the Ashes 4-1. The contest had plenty of drama, tension, and turning points, making this Ashes win after nervy chase a fitting end to a hard-fought series.
England Fight Hard, Starc Shines with the Ball
England began the final day at 302 for 8, looking to stretch their lead and put Australia under pressure. Matthew Potts started the morning positively, hitting a boundary off the first ball, while Jacob Bethell continued his outstanding innings. Bethell reached a superb 150, showing patience and control despite the pitch offering uneven bounce.
The morning session also featured several DRS moments. Australia lost two reviews, while Bethell successfully overturned an LBW decision against Scott Boland. However, England’s resistance did not last much longer. Mitchell Starc produced a decisive spell, first dismissing Bethell with a fine edge and then removing Josh Tongue. Starc finished the series with an impressive 31 wickets, playing a huge role in setting up this Ashes win after nervy chase.
England were eventually bowled out, leaving Australia a target of 160 runs. While it looked simple on paper, the worn fifth-day pitch meant this Ashes win after nervy chase was never going to be straightforward.
Australia Hold Their Nerve in a Tricky Run Chase
Australia started brightly, with the openers putting on a quick 62-run partnership. Travis Head looked fluent, but England kept believing. They burned a review early and were unlucky when a caught-behind appeal against Jake Weatherald was turned down due to insufficient evidence. Still, England struck back before lunch, removing both openers and giving life to the contest.
After lunch, Australia needed 87 runs, but wickets kept falling. Will Jacks found sharp turn to bowl Steve Smith, and England missed a crucial gully chance off Marnus Labuschagne. Usman Khawaja’s final Test innings ended quickly, and Labuschagne was run out soon after. Suddenly, this Ashes win after nervy chase looked far from certain.
Cameron Green survived two close run-out chances, showing how tense the moment had become. England sensed an unlikely comeback, but Australia stayed calm. Green and Alex Carey added a vital 40-run partnership, guiding the team closer to victory. As the target shrank, confidence slowly returned.
The match ended when Carey drove a boundary in the 32nd over, sealing an unforgettable Ashes win after nervy chase. This Ashes win after nervy chase not only secured the Test but confirmed Australia’s dominance across the series. With strong performances from bat and ball, Australia deserved their 4-1 success, making this Ashes win after nervy chase a memorable chapter in Ashes history.
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