The SCG appears more than ready to host the fifth Test, which will begin on Sunday, January 4, marking the Ashes 2025–26’s final destination.
Aside from the two teams taking part, the Sydney pitch’s performance has drawn a lot of attention, particularly after Cricket Australia lost INR 60 crore in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, which ended in less than two days.
However, a favourable update has been confirmed by the pitch curator of the famous SCG field, who thinks the surface will be useful enough to carry the action on the last day of the five-day battle. The opening three days of the game will be very important because spinners are anticipated to play a larger role at the location.
“After three days, you want to see a hint of green. Three days out, if you don’t see any live grass, then [it’s concerning] … The seat we’re in makes me feel really at ease. This morning, we had a little sunshine. There will be a little more sun tomorrow. That will eliminate the pitch’s greenness. Right now, we are quite pleased with the pitches. ESPNcricinfo cited Lewis as stating, “We’re looking good.”
We simply reasoned that we might be able to reduce our density somewhat. This year, we have accomplished that. In the Shield matches, we practiced that and got really excellent scores,” Lewis continued.
In the meantime, Usman Khawaja, 39, will play in his 88th and final Test match during the forthcoming fixture. His decision to end his career, which started back in 2011, and retire from international cricket was confirmed by the senior batter himself. Since Khawaja’s home ground will host the match and the Australians have already won the series, he thinks his journey can’t end any better.
Fifth Ashes Test squads:
Australia: Steven Smith (Captain), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (WK), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Todd Murphy, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett
England: Zak Crawley Ben Stokes (Captain), Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse.
Home