The 2025-26 Ashes series reaches its emotional conclusion at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). While Australia have already retained the urn with a 3-1 lead, the final Test carries immense weight: England are hunting for a 3-2 ‘respectable’ finish after their stunning two-day win at the MCG, and the Australian cricketing public prepares to bid farewell to legendary opener Usman Khawaja, who has announced this will be his final Test match.
England arrives in Sydney with renewed belief. Their four-wicket victory in Melbourne—their first Test win on Australian soil in 15 years—proved that ‘Bazball’ can pierce the Australian armor under the right conditions. For Ben Stokes, a 3-2 series result would be a major statement of intent for the future of English cricket.
Australia, led by Steve Smith in the absence of the rested Pat Cummins, is looking to restore order. Despite losing in Melbourne, the hosts have dominated the series, winning in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The primary narrative for the Baggy Greens is sending Khawaja off with a win at his home ground, where he famously scored twin centuries against England in 2022.
Team combinations
Australia have a selection headache in the all-rounder department. Cameron Green is under pressure after a lean run, with Beau Webster waiting in the wings. Todd Murphy is almost certain to return to the side to provide a frontline spin option. England have named a 12-man squad. Gus Atkinson is out with a hamstring injury, making Matthew Potts the likely replacement. The final spot is a toss-up between the aggression of Will Jacks and the specialist spin of Shoaib Bashir.
Pitch report of 5th Test
Curator Adam Lewis has prepared a pitch with roughly 6mm of grass (lower than Melbourne’s 10mm). While it currently looks green due to a lack of recent sunlight, it is expected to bake under the sun and transition into a traditional Sydney ‘straw’ color. Traditionally Australia’s friendliest spin venue, the SCG has recently favored pace. However, both teams have included specialist spinners in their squads, anticipating that the surface will dry out and offer turn by Day 3.
Also READ: Usman Khawaja announces retirement from international cricket, SCG Test to be his final bow
Test stats and records at Sydney Cricket Ground
- Total Matches: 115
- Matches won batting first: 47
- Matches won bowling first: 44
- Average 1st innings Score: 316
- Average 2nd innings Score: 310
- Average 3rd innings Score: 248
- Average 4th innings Score: 169
- Highest total recorded: 705/7 (187.3 Ovs) By India vs Australia
- Lowest total recorded: 42/10 (37.3 Ovs) By Australia vs England
- Highest score chased: 288/2 (60.3 Ovs) By Australia vs South Africa
- Lowest score defended: 97/10 (107 Ovs) By Australia vs England
Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Shoaib Bashir returns as England unveil squad for the SCG Test
