What's happened
Australia secured the Ashes series victory after winning the final Test in Sydney, with Alex Carey hitting the winning four. England's efforts were led by Josh Tongue's 3-42, but they fell short in the chase. Australia has now held the urn for 18 months.
What's behind the headline?
The series outcome underscores Australia's dominance in recent years, with their consistent performance across all departments. The final match demonstrated Australia's strategic resilience, especially with their opening partnerships and the contribution of key players like Head and Smith. England's limited preparation, playing only one intra-squad warm-up game, was a critical factor in their underperformance. Stokes' injury further weakened their bowling options, exposing vulnerabilities in their attack. The series reveals a broader trend: England's need to overhaul their preparation and strategy to compete effectively in Australia. The series also highlights the importance of mental resilience and adaptability, as Australia capitalized on key moments, such as Bethell's century and Starc's wickets, to secure the win. Moving forward, England must focus on building depth and consistency, while Australia will aim to maintain their dominance and defend the urn in the next series.
What the papers say
The coverage from The Japan Times, Sky News, Al Jazeera, and Reuters provides a comprehensive view of the series. The Japan Times highlights Tongue's leadership in the final innings, while Sky News emphasizes England's limited preparation and Stokes' injury impact. Al Jazeera offers insights into Australia's team cohesion and Khawaja's farewell, adding emotional depth. Reuters consolidates the match statistics, confirming Australia's series victory and the significance of Starc's performance. The contrasting perspectives underscore the series' competitive nature and the strategic shortcomings of England's campaign.
How we got here
The Ashes series between England and Australia began in late 2025, with Australia aiming to defend the urn they retained after their 2021/22 series win. England's last victory in Australia was in 2010-11, and this series marked a significant effort for the visitors, who achieved their first win in Australia since 2015. The series was characterized by strong individual performances, notably from Travis Head and Steve Smith for Australia, and Jacob Bethell's maiden century for England. The series was also notable for the injury to England captain Ben Stokes, which impacted their bowling attack.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Did Australia Win the Ashes in Sydney?
Australia's recent Ashes victory in Sydney has captured cricket fans' attention worldwide. Led by standout performances from Mitchell Starc and a resilient team effort, Australia secured the series with a commanding win. Curious about how they achieved this triumph? Below, you'll find detailed answers to common questions about the match, key players, and what this victory means for Australian cricket.
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