Australia get over the line in Sydney for 4-1 Ashes triumph

January 8, 2026 10:07 AM

Australia get over the line in Sydney for 4-1 Ashes triumph

Australia had a few nervous moments but safely chased down their 160-run victory target before tea on the final day of the fifth Ashes test on Thursday for a five-wicket victory and a 4-1 series triumph. Seamer Josh Tongue led England's battling rearguard with 3-42 but Alex Carey got Australia across the line with a four through the covers in mid afternoon in the company of Cameron Green. "It's nice to finish on a high note," said stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith. "We know the importanc...

Ashes: Murphy hints at Australia opting for all-pace attack in Sydney, says ‘there’s a bit of grass’ at SCG

January 1, 2026 11:22 AM

Ashes: Murphy hints at Australia opting for all-pace attack in Sydney, says ‘there’s a bit of grass’ at SCG

Australia off-spinner Todd Murphy admitted that, although his eyesight isn’t great, he could see the SCG pitch looked very green three days before the fifth Test, once again raising questions about the role of spinners in this Ashes series. Murphy, 25, is in contention to play his first Test in Australia after featuring in seven matches overseas. However, there is no certainty he will be selected for Sydney, a ground usually friendly to spin, especially after he was left out of the Melbourne ...