Australian captain Steve Smith struck a warm and sporting note after the match, revealing plans to sit down with England skipper Ben Stokes for a drink.

Smith said he wants to share memories of what he described as a ‘happy and hard fought Ashes series,’ showing that respect between rivals can live alongside fierce competition.

The final Test ended shortly after lunch on day five at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Australia calmly chased down the target. Although many had expected a tight, edge of the seat series, Australia took control early, sealing the contest within the first three Tests despite missing several key players.

Smith praised his side for adjusting smoothly to different conditions throughout the five match series. He highlighted the importance of finishing the series on a winning note, especially with World Test Championship points on the line. ‘Every Test matters,’ Smith said, adding that this victory was the reward for sustained hard work and discipline.

Australia’s bowling attack faced challenges, with Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the entire series through injury and Pat Cummins appearing in only one Test. In their absence, Mitchell Starc led from the front, using his experience and pace to top the bowling charts with 31 wickets across the series.

Another standout performer was Travis Head, who stepped up when Usman Khawaja struggled with a back issue. Promoted to open in the first Test in Perth, Head responded with remarkable confidence, scoring three centuries and giving Australia strong starts.

Despite the individual brilliance on show, Smith was keen to stress the collective effort behind the success. He praised the younger players for showing courage under pressure and said everyone in the squad played their part when it mattered most.

‘This is an experienced team,’ Smith reflected. ‘Over the last four or five years, we’ve played our best cricket and reached the World Test Championship final twice. Being part of this group is a privilege. We understand how to play on these pitches.’

England, meanwhile, head home disappointed and under heavy scrutiny. Speaking to TNT Sports, Smith said he had already told Stokes, ‘Let’s sit down together.’

He added that he is sure both teams will meet off the field to talk, relax, and look back on a series that will be remembered for its intensity and lessons learned.

In the end, Australia not only won the Ashes, they showed depth, patience, and togetherness, qualities that continue to set them apart in Test cricket.