Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after AUS vs ENG 5th Test 2026

Australia completed a commanding Ashes 2025–26 campaign by defeating England by five wickets in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The hosts chased down a target of 160 on the fifth day to seal the series 4–1 and underline their dominance at home once again.

England began the final day at 302 for eight and tried to delay the result with a strong lower-order effort. Jacob Bethell stood tall with a brilliant career-best 154, showing great patience and control at the crease. His innings gave England some hope of setting a tricky target.

That resistance ended when Mitchell Starc removed the last two wickets to finish the innings. Starc ended the series with 31 wickets, making him one of the biggest match-winners of the Ashes and helping Australia stay firmly in control throughout the contest.

Australia stay strong in Ashes and World Test Championship race

Australia started the chase positively as openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head added quick runs at the top. The two brought up a good opening stand before England struck back with two quick wickets to create some pressure on the home team for a while.

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Marnus Labuschagne played the anchor role in settling nerves with a fluent knock in the middle order. Cameron Green and Alex Carey then took over, adding an unbeaten stand to guide Australia safely towards the target without further trouble.

Carey hit the winning runs before the tea break as Australia sealed both the match and the series. The victory also strengthened Australia's lead at the top of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 standings. They now sit well clear of the chasing pack, while New Zealand and South Africa follow behind. England, meanwhile, slipped further down the table after another tough tour.

Updated WTC points table after AUS vs ENG 5th Test 2026