The 2025-26 Ashes series reaches its emotional finale at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). While Australia have already retained their place with a 3-1 lead, the significance of the final Test is much greater: England are looking for a ‘respectable’ 3-2 finish after their stunning two-day win at the MCG, and the Australian cricket public is preparing to bid farewell to the great opening batsman. Usman KhawajaWho has announced that this will be his last test match.
England reached Sydney with new confidence. Their four-wicket win in Melbourne – their first Test win on Australian soil in 15 years – proved that ‘baseball’ could penetrate the Australian armor in 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 rest pat cumminsTrying to restore order. Despite the loss in Melbourne, the hosts have maintained their dominance in the series with wins in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. The primary narrative for the Baggy Greens is to send off Khawaja with a win on his home ground, where he famously scored a double century against England in 2022.
team composition
Selection remains a headache for Australia in the all-rounder department. cameron green Under pressure after a slow race, Beau Webster waits. todd murphy He is almost certain to return to the team to provide frontline spin options. England has announced the 12-member team. Gus Atkinson Is out with hamstring injury Matthew Potts Possible replacement. Last place is a toss-up between aggressiveness and will jacks and expert spin Shoaib Bashir,
5th test pitch report
Curator Adam Lewis has prepared a pitch with about 6 mm of grass (less than Melbourne’s 10 mm). Although it currently looks green due to lack of recent sunlight, it is expected that it will ripen under the sun and turn the traditional Sydney ‘straw’ colour. Traditionally Australia’s most favorable 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 turn will be available by the third day.
Also read: Usman Khawaja announces retirement from international cricket, SCG test will be his last test
Test statistics and records at Sydney Cricket Ground
- Total tally: 115
- Matches won by batting first: 47
- Matches won by bowling first: 44
- Average score of first innings: 316
- Average score of second innings:310
- Average score of 3rd innings: 248
- Average score of 4th innings: 169
- highest total recorded: 705/7 (187.3 overs) India vs Australia
- lowest total recorded: 42/10 (37.3 overs) Australia vs England
- highest score chased: 288/2 (60.3 overs) Australia vs South Africa
- Defense of lowest score: 97/10 (107 overs) Australia vs England
Also read: Ashes 2025-26: England unveil squad for SCG Test, Shoaib Bashir returns
