Usman Khawaja is "grateful for one last final win" after bowing out of Test cricket following an emotional five-wicket win for Australia in the final Ashes Test.

The hosts secured a 4-1 win in the series against England, with Australia getting the 161 runs they needed on day five to finish on a high.

Khawaja had said prior to the final Test that it did not matter how many runs he scored in his last innings in Sydney, and he could not come up with a fairytale ending as he was bowled out for just six by Josh Tongue.

However, he took one final bow; England's team gave him a guard of honour as he walked to the crease, and upon his dismissal, he removed his helmet and gloves and raised his bat as he soaked up a standing ovation from the crowd.

"As much as I wanted to go out there and score runs and hit the winning runs, I'm just grateful for one last final win and celebrate with my team-mates," Khawaja told Fox Cricket.

"I've got to be honest; it was very tough. I was trying to act cool, but the whole Test match, I found it really hard to control my emotions.

"I prided myself on being able to control my emotion my whole career. I haven't given away too much of the opposition or to anyone. I found it really hard to concentrate a lot.

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"Even in the first innings, I found it hard to get into rhythm. And even today, my whole career, particularly the last end of the career has been built on process, process, process. It's just so hard to go out there and concentrate.

"But look, I'm glad we got the win, got over the line, and it's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life. Being able to finish here at the SCG. Everyone's been so great. I'm so grateful to have the career I've had, and I can just finally relax."

Australia have won at least four Tests in 18 Ashes series, including in each of their last four at home.

It ensures Khawaja goes out on a high, as he finishes his career as one of only 16 Australians to score 6,000 Test runs and make 16 centuries in the longest format.

And stand-in captain Steve Smith paid tribute to his team-mate following the conclusion of the series.

"He's had a wonderful career," Smith said. "It's been great to be alongside him for all of it.

"I played in his debut Test match here, 15 years ago. And he's just grown as a human and as a player.

"It's been great to play alongside him for a long time, and he's certainly going to be missed in that dressing room."