Usman Khawaja out for six in final Test innings as Australia seal 4-1 series win
“This means a lot,” Khawaja told Fox. “The game of cricket is so amazing. As much as I want to go out there and score runs and go on a streak, I am so grateful to get one last win and celebrate with my teammates.
“I was trying to act calm but I really struggled to control my own emotions throughout the whole Test match. To be able to finish here at the SCG is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Everyone was so wonderful. I can finally relax.”
Labuschagne hit 37 off 40 balls to leave Australia precariously on 5-121, still needing 39 runs to win, before Cam Green (22) and Alex Carey (16) guided Australia home despite some nervy moments.
Carey, whose gloves and strokes were sensational in this series, caught the winning streak with his protection shot towards the border.
Despite the fear, Australia will be happy to inflict further misery on an England team that has underperformed in almost every aspect.
England have secured one victory in the last 20 Ashes Tests played on Australian soil since the start of the 2013–14 series; this was a two-day affair in Melbourne last month, at a venue later judged “inadequate” by the International Cricket Council.
Bazball is on the brink of oblivion and England coach Brendon McCullum is under pressure after an unsuccessful campaign against an Australian team that was missing Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for most of the series, as well as injured fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.
Tensions threatened to escalate during the run chase following a clash between England seamer Brydon Carse and Australian pair Jake Weatherald (34) and Travis Head (29) following another episode of the DRS row.
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England believed Weatherald was left behind, but his decision not to go out on the field was upheld on review, enraging Carse. There was a heated argument with referee Ahsan Raza before Ben Stokes intervened.
Weatherald and Carse spoke before Carse and Head made light contact as they walked side by side.
But Australia kept their cool to finish the job and leave Khawaja a happy man.
More to come
