The stage is set for high drama at the Sydney Cricket Ground as Australia and England lock horns in the fifth and final Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series. With the iconic SCG bathed in anticipation, fans from both sides of the globe are glued to their screens, eager to see how this storied rivalry concludes—at least for now. As the match got underway on January 4, 2026, the air was thick with both excitement and nostalgia, especially with Australian veteran Usman Khawaja announcing this would be his final Test appearance. The 39-year-old, who has graced the international stage for 88 Tests, is looking to bow out on a high note in front of a home crowd that has cheered his every run.
Coming into this contest, Australia holds a commanding 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The hosts stormed through the first three Tests, wrapping up the series before Christmas, but England punched back with a dramatic victory in Melbourne—their first men’s Test win on Australian soil in nearly 15 years. That result injected new life into what had already been a wildly entertaining Ashes, with both teams eager to finish strong. For England, the stakes go beyond pride; questions swirl about the futures of coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key if they can't prove the MCG win wasn’t just a one-off.
Historically, the SCG has been a happy hunting ground for Australia, who have won 62 of 113 Tests at the venue, losing just 28 and drawing 23. England, meanwhile, have played 57 times at the ground, claiming 22 victories. The pitch this year is expected to offer a balanced contest, with 6mm of grass left on the surface to keep both batters and bowlers in the game. SCG chief curator Adam Lewis noted, “A green top scene should not be a concern, and I’m hopeful the match will extend into a fifth day.” Pace bowlers are likely to enjoy the early conditions, with spin expected to play a role as the match wears on.
Australia’s probable XI features a blend of experience and emerging talent. Steve Smith returns to captain the side, having led the first two Tests with authority. Smith’s record at the SCG is formidable, and he’ll be keen to make an impact, especially with the added pressure of Khawaja’s farewell. Travis Head, who boasts over 4,400 Test runs at a strike rate above 69, is another player to watch, while Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne provide depth in the batting order. Mitchell Starc, who has been a standout performer throughout the series, will spearhead the bowling attack, supported by Scott Boland and Michael Neser. Todd Murphy is likely to handle spin duties, filling in for the injured Nathan Lyon.
England, led by the ever-determined Ben Stokes, have named a squad that blends youth and experience. Joe Root, the second-highest run-scorer in English Test history, remains their lynchpin. After a slow start to the series, Root roared back with a century in Brisbane and has continued to anchor the English middle order. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett open the batting, while Harry Brook, who has impressed with his aggressive stroke play, slots in at five. Jamie Smith keeps wicket, and the bowling attack is led by Brydon Carse—England’s leading wicket-taker in this Ashes with 21 scalps—alongside Josh Tongue, who picked up a five-wicket haul in Melbourne. Shoaib Bashir, a right-arm spinner, is set to replace Gus Atkinson, who was ruled out ahead of the fifth Test.
The opening day at the SCG was not without its challenges. Rain and bad light conspired to halt play on several occasions, with match officials repeatedly advising players to remain in the dressing rooms due to deteriorating visibility and the threat of a severe storm moving in from the west. The third session was delayed, and the umpires eventually took the players off for early tea as ominous clouds gathered overhead. Despite these interruptions, the cricket on display was top-notch. England’s pair of Joe Root and Harry Brook proved unbreakable for the Australians, putting on a masterclass in partnership batting. The duo notched up their respective fifties and compiled a 154-run stand for the fourth wicket—the third-highest for England in Ashes history.
Root and Brook’s resilience was a sight to behold. Australia’s bowlers, led by Starc and Boland, toiled hard but could only create a couple of half-chances, largely due to Brook’s occasional over-aggression. As the light faded, England found themselves in a commanding position at 211 for 3 after 44.6 overs, with both batsmen looking set to carry on when play resumes. The Barmy Army in the stands was in full voice, sensing a chance for England to post a formidable first-innings total and perhaps set up a dramatic finish to the series.
The significance of this Test extends beyond the scoreboard. For Usman Khawaja, it’s the culmination of a remarkable career, and the Australian team will be eager to send him off with a memorable performance. For England, the opportunity to end the tour with back-to-back wins could be a springboard for future success—and silence critics questioning the team’s direction. As for the fans, they’re being treated to a contest that, while perhaps lacking the highest quality at times, has delivered entertainment in spades.
Broadcast details have also ensured fans worldwide don’t miss a moment of the action. In the United States, the match is airing live on Willow TV, available via Fubo for those without cable. With session times running from 10:30am AEDT and the possibility of extended play to make up for lost overs, there’s plenty of cricket left to be played.
With the weather still a factor and England’s middle order looking ominous, the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG remains delicately poised. Will Australia’s pace attack find a way through, or can England’s batters push on and post an imposing score? One thing’s for sure: as the clouds clear and the contest resumes, the eyes of the cricketing world will be fixed on Sydney, waiting to see how this chapter in Ashes history unfolds.
