Ashes to Australia: 4-1 series victory caps Usman Khawaja’s career

WEB DESK:  Australia sealed a resounding 4-1 Ashes series victory over England on Thursday, clinching the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground by six wickets. The win, achieved shortly after lunch on the final day, was overshadowed by a wave of sentiment as popular opener Usman Khawaja retired from international cricket.

Needing 160 runs to win on day five, Australia resumed at 71/2 and efficiently chased down the target, finishing at 161/5. Australia had already retained the Ashes, having taken a commanding 3–0 lead earlier in the series before England’s consolation win in the fourth Test. The urn will stay on Australian soil, continuing a run of dominance at home that fans have celebrated for years.

The day, however, belonged to Khawaja. The 39-year-old left-hander, who announced his retirement prior to the match, received a prolonged standing ovation from the SCG crowd upon the conclusion of the game. Playing at the ground where he made his Test debut in 2011, ‘Uzzie’ walked off the international stage for the final time, with teammates forming a guard of honour.

“It’s been an absolute privilege,” Khawaja said in an emotional post-match address. “To finish here at the SCG in front of my home crowd, with an Ashes win, is more than I could have ever dreamed of. This team has my heart.”

England, despite the series scoreline, showed fight in Sydney. After posting 384 in their first innings, they were propelled by a magnificent maiden Test century from 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, who scored 154 in the second to set Australia a competitive target of 160. Ultimately, Australia’s batting depth and the weight of series-long pressure proved decisive.

Australian captain Pat Cummins praised his team’s consistency. “It’s been a incredible summer. To win 4-1 in an Ashes series is a huge effort. Every player stood up at different times,” he said. “And it was a special send-off for Uzzie. He’s been a rock for this team, both with the bat and as a leader.”

England captain Ben Stokes acknowledged Australia’s superiority while finding positives. “Credit to Australia, they outplayed us in the key moments,” Stokes said. “But I’m incredibly proud of the character we showed, especially the young guys like Jacob [Bethell]. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”

Khawaja ends a distinguished 88-Test career as one of Australia’s most elegant and resilient batters of the modern era. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Australian cricket, even as the team celebrates retaining the Ashes urn for another series cycle.

Web Desk