Root Century Overshadowed by Australian Fightback and England Errors in Sydney

LONDON, 6 January 2026 – Joe Root’s sublime 160 provided a rare highlight for England, but a dominant Australian response and a calamitous dismissal for wicketkeeper Jamie Smith encapsulated a frustrating final Ashes Test for the tourists at the SCG. With the series already lost, England’s hopes of a consolation victory were fading as Travis Head led Australia’s charge in reply to the visitors’ first-innings total of 384.

Root and Brook Build Platform

England, having been sent in to bat, relied heavily on the experience of former captain Joe Root. The Yorkshireman compiled a masterful 160, his 41st Test century, to anchor the innings. He was ably supported by Harry Brook, who made a fluent 84 in a fourth-wicket partnership of 154. Their sensible, classical Test match batting gave England a commanding position, with the score reaching 226-3 before Brook fell to Scott Boland. The lower order failed to capitalise fully, however, with Michael Neser taking 4-60 as England were dismissed for 384.

Head Leads Australian Charge

Australia’s reply was built on aggression and discipline. Opener Usman Khawaja made a patient start in his final Test match, while Steve Smith contributed a scratchy 46. The innings was then seized by Travis Head, who raced to an unbeaten 91 from just 87 balls by the close of play, punishing England’s wayward bowling. Marnus Labuschagne (48) provided solid support before falling to Ben Stokes, as Australia finished the day strongly placed.

Key Facts from the SCG

‘Brainless’ Dismissal Sums Up England’s Tour

The day’s most bizarre moment belonged to England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Facing occasional leg-spinner Marnus Labuschagne, who was deployed with an unorthodox field set purely for bouncers, Smith inexplicably stepped back and attempted a flat-batted swipe, only to be caught. BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew described the shot as “one of the worst I have ever seen” and “brainless,” suggesting it typified England’s lack of discipline throughout a disappointing series.

Agnew’s Final Tour

The commentary box provided a subplot, with confirmation that this Ashes series was the last overseas tour for the BBC’s long-serving chief cricket correspondent, Jonathan Agnew. The former England fast bowler, a mainstay of Test Match Special for over three decades, will continue in his role as a presenter and commentator on the radio programme. Agnew’s career, famed for the 1991 “leg over” incident with Brian Johnston, remains a defining voice of the English summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Australia won the 2025-26 Ashes?

Yes. Australia retained the Ashes urn prior to the fifth Test in Sydney, meaning the series result is already decided in their favour.

What did Joe Root achieve with his century?

Joe Root’s 160 was his 41st Test match hundred, further cementing his status as one of England’s greatest ever batters. After the knock, he spoke of targeting the next Ashes series in Australia in 2027.

Is Ben Stokes continuing as England captain?

Despite the series loss, captain Ben Stokes has indicated he is “very eager” to continue leading the Test side and is keen to seek revenge when the Ashes are next contested in England.