Australia captain Steve Smith summed up the Ashes in typically understated fashion after sealing a commanding 4–1 series win at the Sydney Cricket Ground — proud of his team’s adaptability, satisfied with the job done, and ready to share a drink with Ben Stokes once the dust had settled.
Australia wrapped up the fifth Test with a five-wicket win on day five, retaining the Ashes urn for at least another 18 months and underlining their dominance in a series that was expected to be far tighter. In reality, it was effectively settled inside three Tests, despite Australia missing key personnel.
“It was nice to finish on a high note,” Smith said, pointing to the importance of every Test in the context of the World Test Championship. “It was a good game of Test cricket and a well-earned victory.”
With Josh Hazlewood sidelined for the entire series and Pat Cummins featuring in just one Test, Mitchell Starc carried the attack superbly, topping the wicket charts with 31 scalps. Travis Head, promoted to opener after Usman Khawaja’s injury, produced three defining centuries.
Yet Smith was quick to stress the collective effort. “The guys stood up in different scenarios and everyone did their job. We’re proud of that,” he said.
And once the formalities were done, Smith revealed the spirit in which the series was played — inviting Stokes in “for a jar” to reflect on what he called “a fun series” despite England’s struggles.
Cricket rivalry, respect intact.
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Proud Smith Says Australia ‘Stood Up’, Then Heads for a Drink with Stokes
Australia captain Steve Smith summed up the Ashes in typically understated fashion after sealing a commanding 4–1 series win at the Sydney Cricket Ground — proud of his team’s adaptability, satisfied with the job done, and ready to share a drink with Ben Stokes once the dust had settled.
Australia wrapped up the fifth Test with a five-wicket win on day five, retaining the Ashes urn for at least another 18 months and underlining their dominance in a series that was expected to be far tighter. In reality, it was effectively settled inside three Tests, despite Australia missing key personnel.
“It was nice to finish on a high note,” Smith said, pointing to the importance of every Test in the context of the World Test Championship. “It was a good game of Test cricket and a well-earned victory.”
With Josh Hazlewood sidelined for the entire series and Pat Cummins featuring in just one Test, Mitchell Starc carried the attack superbly, topping the wicket charts with 31 scalps. Travis Head, promoted to opener after Usman Khawaja’s injury, produced three defining centuries.
Yet Smith was quick to stress the collective effort. “The guys stood up in different scenarios and everyone did their job. We’re proud of that,” he said.
And once the formalities were done, Smith revealed the spirit in which the series was played — inviting Stokes in “for a jar” to reflect on what he called “a fun series” despite England’s struggles.
