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The finale of the Ashes 2025-26 series moves to the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the traditional New Year’s Test, beginning January 4, 2026. Following England‘s spirited four-wicket victory at the MCG, their first Test win in Australia since 2011, the visitors arrive in Sydney with momentum. However, they must contend with a typical Sydney summer forecast that threatens to interrupt the early stages of the match before giving way to classic ‘Pink Test’ sunshine.
Ashes 2025-26: Both sides face further injury blows
Australia’s depth continues to be tested as they head to the SCG without captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, both of whom were ruled out for the remainder of the series following the Adelaide Test. Steve Smith retains the captaincy for the series finale, leading a squad that sees Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson integrated into the setup. The biggest story for the hosts, however, is the emotional farewell of Usman Khawaja, who has confirmed he will retire from international cricket following this Test.
England’s injury crisis has deepened despite their Melbourne triumph. Seamer Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the SCG Test after sustaining a hamstring injury during the Boxing Day clash. He joins Jofra Archer and Mark Wood on the sidelines, leaving Ben Stokes with a depleted pace battery. In response, England have named a 12-man squad featuring off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts, with Bashir potentially making his first appearance of the series on a surface traditionally friendly to slow bowlers.
Also READ: Usman Khawaja announces retirement from international cricket, SCG Test to be his final bow
Sydney Weather forecast for the New Year’s 5th Ashes 2025-26 Test
Day 1: Sunday, January 4 The opening day is expected to be a stop-start affair. A heavy thunderstorm and intermittent showers are forecast, with a 55% chance of rain throughout the day. Temperatures will reach a humid 27°C, and high humidity levels could assist swing bowlers during the windows of play. Both teams will need to be mentally sharp to handle the frequent interruptions.
Day 2: Monday, January 5 Conditions remain unsettled as the humid weather continues. While the risk of a total washout decreases, mostly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of showers will likely persist. The moisture in the air and a moderate southerly breeze will keep the seamers interested, making the morning session a critical survival period for the top-order batters.
Day 3: Tuesday, January 6 The clouds are expected to clear for the annual Pink Test celebrations even though the chances of rain are still there with 20%. Mostly sunny skies and a pleasant top of 26°C are forecast. As the sun beats down on the SCG square, the pitch should begin to dry out and harden, allowing stroke-makers to capitalize on the improving conditions. This is often the best day for batting in Sydney.
Day 4: Wednesday, January 7 Heat becomes a factor on the penultimate day as temperatures climb to 28°C under bright sunshine. With no rain in sight, the SCG surface is likely to start showing significant wear. This moving day will see spinners like take center stage as they look to exploit the rough created by the fast bowlers’ follow-throughs.
Day 5: Thursday, January 8 The Test is set for a scorching conclusion, with a forecast high of 31°C and clear skies. If the match enters the final day, it will be a grueling battle of endurance. The dry, baking conditions will favor the side with the disciplined spinners and the batters who can maintain focus in the sweltering Sydney heat.
Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Shoaib Bashir returns as England unveil squad for the SCG Test
