Australia Close Ashes in Style as Khawaja Bids Farewell and Smith Highlights Team Depth

SYDNEY: Australia won by five wickets at the SCG to seal a 4-1 Ashes series. Captain Steven Smith, who led the side in four out of the five Tests, said the outcome was a demonstration of how deep the team was despite constant changes.

"I think it just shows our depth," Smith said. "Everyone who came in did a tremendous job."

Pat Cummins played only once, Nathan Lyon twice, and Josh Hazlewood never played at all. Michael Neser and Beau Webster stepped in during their absence. Travis Head climbed the order with 629 runs and three centuries following an injury-related reshuffle at the top of the order.

Selection Calls and Conditions at the SCG

Australia’s decision to play the Sydney Test without a frontline spinner drew attention, particularly as spin began to influence the final day. Smith acknowledged that the call would have been viewed differently had the result gone the other way.

"It is now," Smith said when asked if the selection was justified. "We're standing here winning, right? Had we not, there's maybe a bit to answer for there, potentially."

He praised the SCG surface, calling it one of the best he has encountered at his home ground.

"In terms of the wicket, I think it's one of the best I've seen in my 15 years playing here," Smith said. "I think it offered a bit for everyone."

Fielding, Smith added, played a decisive role across the series.

"I thought the way we caught throughout the summer was better than England. That was a huge difference in the end result as well."

Khawaja’s Final Test Marked by Emotion

Usman Khawaja’s Test career also came to an end. He was playing his 88th and last Test, and this time he was going into the match with acceptance, rather than expectation.

"I think the fairytale's already done," he said. "I don't think it matters how many runs I score."

Chasing victory, Khawaja was dismissed for 6, chopping on to Josh Tongue, before Australia completed the chase. England players formed a guard of honour as he walked to the crease, with Khawaja sharing a handshake with England captain Ben Stokes.

After his dismissal, Khawaja acknowledged the crowd of 25,847, raised his bat, and knelt on the outfield for a Sajdah beside a sign reading “Thanks Uzzy #419”, a powerful closing image to his Test journey.

A Career to Be Cherished Beyond the Numbers

Khawaja admitted the emotional weight of the occasion affected his performance, resulting in scores of 17 and 6, rare moments of unease for a player known for calm and discipline.

"I've got to be honest, It was very tough," Khawaja said. "I was trying to act cool, but the whole Test match, I found it really hard to control my emotions."

Despite the struggle, he said the setting and result made the farewell special.

"But look, I'm glad we got the win, got over the line, and it's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life. Being able to finish here at the SCG."

He retires with 6,000 Test runs and 16 centuries to be amongst just 16 Australians to have these numbers. Bob Simpson, Matthew Hayden, and Justin Langer were the only openers to average higher than his 48.05 with over 3,000 runs.

Smith, who debuted alongside Khawaja 15 years ago, summed up his teammate’s impact.

"He's had a wonderful career," Smith said. "It's been great to be alongside him for all of it."

Ashes End with Reflection and Renewal

The SCG Test defined the power of the present team and even the history of the player whose deeds will be remembered long after retirement. It was a worthy culmination to a series that showcased flexibility, depth, and enduring standards at its very best.