Usman Khawaja did not get his personal fairytale finish at the SCG, but Australia hung on in the fifth Ashes Test to seal a 4-1 series victory after a dramatic middle session on Thursday.
Chasing a modest target of 160, after England added another 42 runs on day five, Australia reached it with five wickets in hand midway through a lively afternoon of action in front of 25,847 fans.
At 2-92 in the 18th over, England’s slim hopes of victory looked over before a flurry of wickets – Australia lost 3-29 – ensured there would be one final twist on the 18th and final afternoon of a largely one-sided series.
At 1.24pm, Khawaja walked onto the SCG for the final time as an international cricketer, passing through a guard of honour formed by England’s players. The reception was warm for a batsman who grew up in Sydney and honed his craft at the ground as a NSW player before his move to Queensland.
Khawaja bids farewell.Credit: Getty Images
A deft lap shot for four off his second delivery settled Khawaja’s nerves, before a thick edge on four was almost snaffled by Ben Stokes at a wide first slip.
With the game still in the balance at 3-102 and Marnus Labuschagne on 20, Australia’s No.3 was given a reprieve when second-innings centurion Jacob Bethell spilled a chance in the gully. Moments later, Steve Smith (12) was bowled by a beauty from Will Jacks to send a scare through the Australian dressing room.
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