Australia retained the Ashes by a 4–1 margin after defeating England in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Thursday, 8 January. After the series, former Australian cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe sparked debate by naming a combined Ashes XI that did not include a single England player.
Australia were superior to England throughout the series and won at crucial moments with bat and ball. The 4-1 result reflects the difference between the two sides. England failed to play to their full potential, fast runs or loose bowling were not enough. Australia showed patience and control and kept their chances.
Kerry O’Keeffe names Australia-England combined Ashes XI
Kerry O’Keeffe sparked controversy by naming a combined Ashes XI that did not include a single England player. The selection was discussed on a panel with Michael Vaughan and showed the team was dominated by Australian players.
O’Keeffe defended his choice by saying that he relied only on performance numbers and statistics. The commentator said that he did not try to balance the team between the two countries and chose what he felt was the best XI based on the results, even though this shocked many viewers.
“I just looked at all the stats. That’s the best team. I don’t do combinations. I don’t do combinations. Look at the failure rate – North Melbourne-Fitzroy… that worked!”
I would say Scull was pretty fair with his combined Ashes XI. PIC,TeawITeaTeaER,Cheym,mw448hWhyOfRm
– Code Cricket (@codecricketau) JAnYouARthis 8, 2026
Australia-England Combined Ashes XI:
Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, Scott Boland
Australia won the series despite the lack of key players
Australia won the series despite missing key players early on. The home team won in Perth, where Travis Head scored a century and Mitchell Starc took 10 wickets to give the hosts an early lead. England struggled to match Australia’s intensity on a lively pitch.
The second Test was played under floodlights at Gabba. Despite not having a century, Australia scored more than 500 runs in the first innings. After this, they achieved the small target of 65 runs in just 10 overs and went 2-0 ahead in the series.
Pat Cummins returned for the third Test in Adelaide and Australia remained in control. England struggled briefly, but Australia pulled off another win and took the series within 11 days.
England responded by winning the toss on a bowling-friendly surface at the MCG and secured a consolation win. The final Test at the SCG was tightly contested and lasted till the last day, but Australia once again showed courage to finish the series on top.
Mitchell Starc won the Player of the Series award after leading Australia’s bowling attack. He took 31 wickets in five Test matches at an average of less than 20. Whenever Australia needed a breakthrough, Starc delivered, including taking England’s last two wickets in the last Test.
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