Australia host England at the Sydney Cricket Ground from 4–8 January 2026, with daily play scheduled to start at 05:00 SA time. This is the fifth and final Test of the 2025–26 Ashes series, and while Australia have already retained the urn, both teams will be keen to finish on a high.
Fifth Test Preview
Australia go into this match with a 3–1 series advantage. Their campaign has been driven by consistent bowling peaks, most notably Mitchell Starc, who leads the series wicket tally and impactful middle-order batting from Travis Head and Alex Carey. Head leads the run charts with 437 runs at an impressive strike rate, and Starc’s bowling has repeatedly tilted momentum in Australia’s favour.
England’s tour narrative has been more volatile. After early struggles, they claimed a win at the MCG, in a low scoring encounter. Zak Crawley and Joe Root have been England’s leading run-getters this series, but both are averaging 35 for the series whereas Head is averaging 54 and Carey 48.
Venue & Conditions
The SCG typically offers a fair contest between bat and ball. Early sessions generally favour batting with true bounce and carry, but as the match progresses, spinners and reverse-swingers can extract value from worn areas. Heat and humidity in Sydney in early January will test fitness and stamina, particularly in extended spells for fast bowlers although conditions for the 1st 3 days are not that hot and the way this series has gone it is questionable whether we see day 4.
Key Match Factors
- Australia’s batting depth vs England’s pace attack: England will need to strike early to disrupt Australia’s middle order.
- England’s top order vs Starc’s new ball: Surviving the first hour against Australia’s strike bowler remains crucial.
- Pitch evolution: Control of the middle overs and exploiting any late assistance will be decisive as will application as the pitch offers inconsistency deeper into the match.
Series & WTC Context
Although the Ashes outcome is settled, World Test Championship points are still in play. Australia will be keen to finish a dominant home summer strongly, while England have an opportunity to leave Australia with momentum and tangible progress after a difficult start to the tour.
5th Test Betting – click here to bet
- Australia 1.59
- Draw 6.75
- England 3.15
Australia should win but despite WTC points being an incentive this remains a dead rubber and I will tread cautiously and focus on some of the additional markets available
Suggested Bets
Bet 1: Travis Head Top 1st innings Australia bat at 4.50
Head has been the standout batsman and I am looking him to finish the series strong and to play his part in hammering the final nail into England’s coffin. I was going to back him to score a hundred at 4.75 but I assume if he achieves that he will be top bat and this bet offers better value and can still arrive in a low scoring contest.
Bet 2: Total 1st innings runs over …..
Given the SCG’s typical batting conditions early in the match I am hopeful we may see approved battling application and a higher 1st innings score than what we have seen so far in the series. We don’t have a line on this yet but I will shoot high at whatever we get.
Bet 3: Harry Brook over 28.5 1st Innings runs at 1.87
I was hoping for more from Brook in this series and in what should be decent batting conditions I am backing him to get amongst the runs.
Prices correct at the time you obtain them and subject to change.
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