The outcome of the 2025-26 Ashes can’t change. But the Sydney Day Test isn’t a mere obligation. For Australia, World Test Championship (WTC) points are on the line. After going 3-0, they won’t want to win 3-2. England has more on the line. They won’t recover from a series of defeats, but jobs and spots in the team are on the line.
Top officials from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are travelling to Sydney to hold important discussions. Brendon McCullum has come under scrutiny, and a call will be taken on his continuing as England’s head coach. Players like Zak Crawley might be playing for their spots as well.
Ashes 5th Test: Match Details
- Date: January 3-7
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
- Toss Timing: 4:30 AM IST
- Match Timing: 5:00 AM IST
Ashes 5th Test – Live Streaming and Where to Watch on TV?
Watch the live stream exclusively on JioStar. On TV, please tune into Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD.
Injury Updates
England has suffered another blow. After losing two fast bowlers, Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, they have lost another one in Gus Atkinson as well. He had suffered a hamstring injury during the Boxing Day Test and won’t be fit for selection.
Australia has already lost Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon. They don’t have any more injuries. In fact, Josh Inglis and Beau Webster have been freed to take part in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26.
Australia vs England Test head-to-head
| Matches Played | Won (Australia) | Won (England) | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 365 | 155 | 113 | 97 |
Ashes 5th Test: Squads
Australia: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland, Josh Inglis, Brendan Doggett, Todd Murphy
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
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