We’re gearing up for the thrilling fifth and final Ashes Test at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, where Australia and England will face off in a battle that promises plenty of excitement.
While Australia won’t achieve a whitewash, they have the golden opportunity to assert dominance by securing a convincing 4-1 victory over their age-old rivals this week.
England will feel hard done by after the MCG Test, which was overshadowed by relentless rain. This final Test is their chance to make amends and show what might have been in the fourth encounter.
Australia v England | 4 January – 8 January | Sydney Cricket Ground | 1:30 PM
Match Betting Odds
Australia 6/10 | Draw 35/1 | England 3/1
Australia’s Lineup
Australia might refresh their squad with two key changes. Mitchell Starc is expected to return after an injury setback, and Ashton Agar could come in to exploit the SCG pitch conditions.
If Agar joins, it will likely mean Jackson Bird and Mitchell Marsh step aside, a hard call especially for Marsh who recently chose county cricket over the IPL, sacrificing lucrative opportunities for country duty.
The SCG pitch is under scrutiny following a ‘poor’ rating at the MCG. The Aussie attack, without Starc, were tested by England’s top order last year, and now they’ll be eager to claim the 20 wickets needed to secure victory.
Meanwhile, Steven Smith keeps enhancing his legendary status with a commanding series performance. Another century would cap off a stellar personal campaign.
Historically, Australia have dominated at the SCG, losing only two of their last 23 Tests at this venue — both to England in 2003 and 2011. From 1996 to 2017, Australia claimed three wins against England here.
England’s Challenge
Ben Stokes’ withdrawal from the ODI squad signals he won’t return for this Test, giving Dawid Malan a significant opportunity. Malan has been a standout batsman for England recently and also contributes as a leg-spinner, though Mason Crane is set to make his Test debut.
Coach Trevor Bayliss is likely to introduce Mason Crane at the SCG to replace Moeen Ali, strengthening the spin bowling options. This move boosts the lower order, putting pressure on all-rounders Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad to deliver with the bat.
Cook and Root demonstrated that Australia’s bowlers can be challenged, but England must capitalise on starts and convert them into big scores — something that lacked in Melbourne.
Questions over Australian injuries and team selections open a window for England to snatch their sole series win.
Final Verdict: Australia 6/10
Expect a fiercely contested match, probably the closest in the series, but Australia should edge it and continue their commanding performance ahead of the upcoming ODIs.
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