Australia and England meet at the Sydney Cricket Ground from Sunday, January 4, for the fifth and final Test of this Ashes series. After England’s shock win on Boxing Day at the MCG, both teams will want to finish the tour on a high note — Australia eager to avenge the defeat, and England aiming to keep momentum and end the series with another statement performance.
Match details
- Match: Australia vs England — 5th Ashes Test
- When: Sunday, January 4 to Thursday, January 8 — 5:00 a.m. IST start
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
- TV / Live stream: Star Sports Network / JioCinema
What happened in the fourth Test — quick recap
England produced a much-needed win at the MCG, their first Test victory in Australia since 2010. A grass-covered pitch made batting difficult, and England’s bowlers exploited those conditions to bundle Australia out cheaply in both innings. For Australia the defeat was a wake-up call: batting failures at the top saw them dismissed for 156 and 132, despite strong spells from their frontline bowlers. England also faced injury concerns — Gus Atkinson is out with a hamstring issue and Jofra Archer remains sidelined.
Australia — the questions
The Australian bowling attack, led by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, has been potent across the series, but the top order must find answers. Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne need to show more application against quality pace to steady the side. After being outplayed at the MCG, the hosts will be determined to bounce back at the SCG.
England — confidence and concerns
England arrive with confidence from the MCG win and some momentum in the middle order and bowling unit. Joe Root finally has a Test win in Australia to his name, and the dressing room energy will be higher. However, injuries will shape selection and tactics heading into the final Test.
Pitch report — SCG
The SCG traditionally offers a fairly batting-friendly surface, especially early in the match when the wicket is flat and conducive to stroke play. Fast bowlers can extract good movement with the new ball, while spinners usually come into play later in the game — the third and fourth innings often reward wrist and finger spinners. Expect a pitch that becomes progressively easier to bat on as the match goes on.
Weather outlook
Conditions look cool and partially cloudy to start. There is a moderate chance of light showers later on day one (around 46% chance of rain in the second half), humidity near 70% and a daytime high close to 21°C. Teams will monitor the forecast closely; any interruptions could affect tactics, especially the decision at the toss.
Head-to-head (Tests)
- Matches played: 365
- Australia wins: 155
- England wins: 113
- Draws: 97
Probable XIs
Australia (probable)
- Jake Weatherald
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith (c)
- Travis Head
- Cameron Green
- Usman Khawaja
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Mitchell Starc
- Todd Murphy / Jhye Richardson
- Michael Neser
- Scott Boland
England (probable)
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Jacob Bethell
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
- Will Jacks / Shoaib Bashir
- Matthew Potts
Players to watch
- Travis Head (AUS): The series’ leading run-scorer so far, Head has scored heavily and consistently, compiling 437 runs in four Tests at an impressive average. He has the ability to dominate quick bowling and will be Australia’s chief run-getter again.
- Mitchell Starc (AUS): Starc has been relentless with the ball and useful with the bat, taking 26 wickets in the series while contributing runs lower down the order. His pace and ability to swing the ball make him a constant threat at the SCG.
- Ben Stokes (ENG): England’s captain has been central to their performances—scoring vital runs and chipping in with crucial wickets. Across the series he has been a genuine all-round influence, and his form will be key to England’s chances.
Toss and match dynamics — what to expect
Recent toss patterns at the SCG show captains often elect to bat first. Historically, batting first has been a slight advantage here: out of 113 Tests at the ground, teams batting first have won 47 times versus 43 wins for teams batting second. Given the flat nature of the track early on, the toss winner may choose to bat and try to put runs on the board.
Likely match scenarios
- If Australia bat first: Expect a first-innings total in the 375–390 range from a full-strength top order, with a second innings score around 280–320 if the match progresses normally.
- If England bat first: England could post 325–355 in the first innings and 210–240 in a second innings chase, depending on how the pitch plays out later in the game.
Prediction
England’s MCG win injected life into the series, but the overall balance of the Ashes still favours Australia. Home conditions, the quality of Australia’s bowling attack and the batting resources available make Australia favourites to win the SCG Test. Expect a competitive match with plenty of intensity — but, on form and depth, Australia look likeliest to finish the series with a victory.
Final thought
The SCG Test promises classic Ashes drama: local pride for Australia, confidence and momentum for England, and the usual mix of swing, spin and big individual performances. With one Test to play and reputations on the line, fans can expect a tense, entertaining finish to this Ashes chapter.