Usman Khawaja could not produce a fairy-tale finish to his Test career, but Australia overcame a fright to chase down the 160-run target at SCG and record a convincing 4-1 Ashes victory.
It wasn’t quite a grandstand ending, with Australia mostly in control despite some chaotic batting that was befitting of this rather baffling Ashes series that ultimately did not live up to the hype.
There was much theatre on the final day in what proved to be the best match of the series. Australia lost five wickets for 59 runs in their second innings but Alex Carey, a star performer this series, and the under-pressure Cameron Green combined for a 40-run stand to seal a five-wicket victory.
Australia appeared to be cruising at 62 for no loss before losing three quick wickets as England sniffed an opening. On the last day of his 88-Test career, Khawaja came to the crease with Australia at 92 for 3 just after lunch and still needing 68 runs for victory on a surface playing tricks.
He received a hug from his great mate Marnus Labuschagne and walked through a guard of honour from England’s team. But Khawaja lasted just seven balls and made just 6, knocked over by Josh Tongue, who finished with 3 for 42 from 11 overs and did ensure England fought hard at the end of what has been a wretched tour.
England’s bid for a late heist were slim and made even harder with skipper Ben Stokes – who did take the field – unable to bowl after injuring his right adductor earlier in the match.
Quite typically of this series, there was mayhem at the start of Australia’s chase with three lbw shouts in the first seven deliveries. England did burn a review when Travis Head got an edge to a yorker from Brydon Carse, who shared the new ball with Tongue after Stokes lost faith in Matthew Potts after his nightmare (0 for 141) in Australia’s first innings. (ESPNcricinfo)
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