AUSSIES WIN! Does England need a full rebuild? | Test 5 Day 5 Review!

Steve O'Keefe is joined by Harry "Shaggy" Conway to review the final day of the Ashes at the SCG. Australia secured a 4-1 series victory, leaving the hosts to ponder whether "Bazball" has any future in Australia or if England needs to start again from scratch.

Australia Clinches the Series 4-1

Despite a fighting effort from England's tail and another 50 runs added on the final morning, Australia chased down the target of 120 with five wickets to spare. Conway admits that while there was a "wobble" after Marnus Labuschagne ran himself out, the result never felt truly in doubt. O'Keefe notes that Australia's victory is even more impressive considering they played their "B-team" for much of the match, missing stars like Cummins, Hazlewood, and Lyon.

Mitchell Starc: Player of the Series

Mitchell Starc was officially named Player of the Series, finishing with 31 wickets at an average of 20. Conway praises Starc's durability and velocity, especially at 35 years old. He notes that Starc carried a massive responsibility in the absence of the other "Big Three" bowlers and delivered a performance that rivals Mitchell Johnson's iconic 2013-14 Ashes campaign.

The England Autopsy: "Cowboy Cricket" and Selfish Batting

The hosts are scathing in their assessment of England's performance. O'Keefe labels their batting as "cowboy shit" — entertaining but ultimately selfish and ineffective. He singles out vice-captain Harry Brook for throwing away starts, arguing that Brook doesn't trust his defence enough to bat for long periods. Conway agrees, stating that while Joe Root and Ben Stokes showed heart, the rest of the team failed to provide a meaningful contest, resulting in "miserable" cricket for English supporters.

Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue: The Only Silver Linings

The only positives for England were the emergences of Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue. Bethell's composed 140 not out on Day 4 provided a blueprint for how England should play in Australia, while Tongue proved to be a genuine threat with his perpendicular release and ability to trouble Steve Smith. O'Keefe suggests that England should "eat some humble pie" and build their future team around Bethell's method rather than the reckless aggression of the current top order.

Looking Ahead to 2029 and the "Dad's Army"

Discussion turns to the next Ashes cycle. Conway believes Australia's "Dad's Army" — the veteran bowling core — could still do a job in England in two years, especially if they are managed carefully. However, looking four years ahead to the next home Ashes, they predict a significant rebuild. Names like Oliver Peake, Nathan McSweeney, and Sam Konstas are identified as the next generation of Australian batting, while young quicks like Kellen Vidler and Mahli Beardman are expected to step into the shoes of the retiring legends.

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