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Ashes 2025-26: England vs. Australia—Fifth Test Commences in Sydney
The historic rivalry of the Ashes series has reached its concluding phase. Australia has already secured the series with a 3-1 lead, retaining the urn, yet England demonstrated resilience by claiming a thrilling victory in the fourth Test at Melbourne. Attention now turns to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where the fifth Test began on January 4, 2026.
Series Overview
- First Test (Perth): Australia won by 8 wickets.
- Second Test (Brisbane, day-night): Australia won by 8 wickets.
- Third Test (Adelaide): Australia won by 82 runs, securing the Ashes.
- Fourth Test (Melbourne): England won by 4 wickets, marking their first Test victory in Australia in 15 years.
Australia holds an unassailable advantage, but England aims to narrow the margin to 3-2, enhancing the series' competitiveness.
Fifth Test Update (Day 1)
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first. Play was disrupted by rain and bad light, leading to an early conclusion. At stumps, England stood at 211 for 3 in 45 overs.
- Joe Root remained unbeaten on 72.
- Harry Brook was unbeaten on 78.
- The pair forged an unbroken partnership, capitalizing on Australia's decision to field without a specialist spinner.
This fixture, traditionally the New Year Test at Sydney, carries added sentiment as Australia's opener Usman Khawaja plays his final Test match, announcing his retirement from international cricket beforehand.
Key Performers
- Australia: Mitchell Starc (leading wicket-taker in the series), Travis Head (prolific run-scorer), Steve Smith (captain).
- England: Brydon Carse (effective seamer), Joe Root and Harry Brook (solid middle-order contributions).
Ashes 2025-26: Playing XI for the Fifth Test at Sydney
The fifth Test match of the Ashes series, commencing on January 4, 2026, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, features the following confirmed playing elevens for both teams.
Australia Playing XI (Captain: Steven Smith)
| Position | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travis Head | Opener |
| 2 | Jake Weatherald | Opener |
| 3 | Marnus Labuschagne | Batsman |
| 4 | Steven Smith (c) | Captain, Batsman |
| 5 | Usman Khawaja | Batsman (final Test) |
| 6 | Alex Carey (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| 7 | Cameron Green | All-rounder |
| 8 | Beau Webster | All-rounder |
| 9 | Michael Neser | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Mitchell Starc | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Scott Boland | Pace Bowler |
Note: Australia opted to field an all-pace attack without a specialist spinner.
England Playing XI (Captain: Ben Stokes)
| Position | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zak Crawley | Opener |
| 2 | Ben Duckett | Opener |
| 3 | Jacob Bethell | Batsman |
| 4 | Joe Root | Batsman |
| 5 | Harry Brook | Batsman |
| 6 | Ben Stokes (c) | Captain, All-rounder |
| 7 | Jamie Smith (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| 8 | Will Jacks | All-rounder (Off-spin) |
| 9 | Brydon Carse | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Matthew Potts | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Josh Tongue | Pace Bowler |
