Ashes 2025-26 Fifth Test Preview: Team form, match-ups, X-factors, venue and pitch conditions

The whirlwind Ashes 2025-26 is heading towards its culmination in Sydney. With Australia winning the first three Tests and England breaking the voodoo of 15 years to win a Test in Australia, in Melbourne, one might wonder what there is to see now at the Sydney Cricket Ground?

Though the series might have ticked off a few items from the fans' lists there are still some to look forward to. More than anything else, the teams have the World Test Championship (WTC) points to fight for. As for bragging rights, Australia would wish for a margin of 4-1 rather than 3-2 or 3-1. 

One more side story which has emerged in the lead up to the Pink Test is the announcement made by Usman Khawaja to retire from international cricket after this match. For fans of him and Australia, this is the last chance for them to see their star opener play for one final time and celebrate a career which personified grit and defiance.

England, whose troubles on the tour minimised a little bit after the win at the MCG, still have more to do to muffle their critics. The Bazball style of play has not helped their cause on the whole and Brendon McCullum's future as head coach might be uncertain.

As for the players, some of them have underperformed and so this match provides them another chance to better their records. By the way, Joe Root is yet to score a red-ball hundred in Australia.

Team News

Australia might be thinking of making a couple of changes but not to their batting line-up at least. Marnus Labuschagne is expected to get another chance despite having a sub-par series so far by his lofty standards. One change might come in the form of Cameron Green whose tally of runs is lower than even Pope's in the same number of innings played.

Would Australia include Beau Webster then? Or will they go in with Green and Webster both? In that case, a bowler would have to sit out. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland have played all the Tests in the series and with the Ashes retained one of them might be asked to rest. Todd Murphy may get a look in as traditionally the SCG surface has provided assistance to spinners.

Australia Probable XI

Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (C), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (WK), Cameron Green/Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc/Scott Boland, Jhye Richardson, Todd Murphy

England named their XII on Friday. Going by it, Matthew Potts is looking set to replace Gus Atkinson who injured his hamstring in the fourth Test. Will Shoaib Bashir finally get a go-ahead? Depends on England if they feel they need a specialist spinner and can let go Will Jacks who has provided much-needed batting support.

England Probable XI

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Will Jacks/Shoaib Bashir, Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue

Pitch and Weather Conditions

What is the height of the grass on the SCG surface? That is the big question, especially after what 10mm of it did at the MCG. The curator has reportedly set it at 6mm which should allay fears of the home board as it reduces the prospect of a short Test match.

The weather forecast for the first day includes showers and storms followed by cloudy skies on the second day. Post that, the weather looks clear with the temperature rising each day.