Australia and England are set to lock horns in the fifth and final Test of The Ashes 2026, a clash that promises high drama and intense competition as the historic series reaches its conclusion. The match will be played from January 4 to January 8, 2026, with both teams eager to end the series on a winning note.
Australia will face England in the 5th Test of The Ashes 2026 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The match begins on Sunday, January 4, with the first ball scheduled early morning for Asian viewers.
Match Details
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Match: Australia vs England, 5th Test, The Ashes 2026
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Date: January 4–8, 2026
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Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney
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Time: 05:00 AM IST, 04:30 AM PST, 11:00 PM GMT (previous day)
Team Overview
Australia
Australia enter the final Test as favourites, backed by strong home conditions and a settled squad. Their batting unit has shown depth and resilience throughout the series, with senior players stepping up at crucial moments. The middle order, led by Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, has been the backbone of Australia’s consistency, while Travis Head’s aggressive approach at the top has often shifted momentum quickly. The bowling attack remains Australia’s biggest strength, especially in home conditions, where Mitchell Starc’s pace and Scott Boland’s accuracy have troubled English batters repeatedly. With no injury concerns, Australia will look to dominate proceedings from day one and seal the series emphatically.
England
England, meanwhile, have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled to maintain consistency across long spells. Their batting relies heavily on experienced campaigners like Joe Root and captain Ben Stokes, while Harry Brook has added flair and counter-attacking intent. England’s bowling unit has pace and energy, with Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse capable of exploiting bounce, especially early in the match. However, adapting to conditions over five days remains their key challenge. A strong performance in Sydney could restore pride and balance after a demanding tour.
Head-to-Head Record
Australia and England have faced each other 365 times in Test cricket, making this rivalry the oldest and most iconic in the sport. Australia have won 155 matches, England have claimed 113 victories, while 97 Tests have ended in draws. These numbers underline Australia’s dominance, particularly in home conditions.
Pitch Report
The Sydney Cricket Ground traditionally offers a balanced surface. The first three days are expected to assist both batters and fast bowlers, with good carry and pace allowing stroke play. As the match progresses into days four and five, cracks are likely to open up, bringing spinners into the game. Batting in the fourth innings could prove challenging, making first-innings runs extremely valuable.
Weather Report
Weather could play a role, especially on day two, with a 65 percent chance of rain predicted. Temperatures are expected to range between 20°C and 33°C, which may test players’ endurance across five days.
Probable Playing XI
Australia: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland, Jhye Richardson
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
Key Players to Watch
For Australia, Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne remain the most reliable run-scorers, while Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are expected to lead the bowling attack. England will once again look towards Joe Root for stability, Harry Brook for momentum-changing innings, and Josh Tongue for early breakthroughs.
Score and Match Scenarios
The team batting first should aim to post a total in the range of 350–360 runs to stay competitive. Early wickets will be crucial, while batting discipline in the final innings could decide the outcome.
Match Prediction
Considering form, squad balance, and familiarity with home conditions, Australia begin the final Test as clear favourites. England have the talent to challenge, but Australia’s depth and consistency across departments give them the edge. Australia are expected to win the fifth Test and finish The Ashes 2026 on a high.