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The fifth Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), commencing on January 4, 2026, serves as the grand finale to a high-octane series that Australia have already mathematically secured.
Ashes 2025-26: The final clash between Australia and England
Leading 3–1, the hosts dominated the early stages in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide before a resilient England side snapped an 18-match winless streak in Australia with a dramatic four-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Despite the series being decided, the Sydney fixture remains a high-stakes encounter for England as they aim to leave with pride and a 3–2 scoreline, while Australia seeks to reassert dominance and finish 4–1.
With regular captain Pat Cummins rested for workload management, veteran Steve Smith continues at the helm for this sentimental and strategically vital New Year’s fixture. The match carries immense emotional weight, as it is the annual Pink Test, uniting the cricket world for a cause far greater than the rivalry itself.
The legacy of the Pink test in Sydney
The Sydney Test is affectionately known as the Pink Test in honor of the late Jane McGrath, wife of legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath. Following Jane’s passing from breast cancer in 2008, Glenn and the McGrath Foundation partnered with Cricket Australia to turn the SCG into a ‘sea of pink’ to raise awareness and funds for breast care nurses. While the entire match features pink stumps and branding, Day 3 is officially celebrated as Jane McGrath Day.
On this specific day, the importance of the cause reaches its peak; the Ladies Stand is temporarily renamed the Jane McGrath Stand, and players from both teams often swap their traditional attire for pink-themed accessories or jerseys. The day serves as a national fundraiser where fans buy ‘virtual pink seats’ and donate to ensure that families across Australia have access to specialist cancer support. Starting in 2025, the mission expanded to include support for all types of cancer, making the third day in Sydney a profound moment of global sporting solidarity.
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Australia’s fortress: The record at the SCG Pink test
Australia boasts an incredible record at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the Pink Test era, often turning the venue into an inescapable fortress for visiting teams. Since the first official Jane McGrath Day in 2009, Australia have rarely tasted defeat in Sydney, benefiting from the ground’s unique reputation as the country’s most spin-friendly venue. Over the last decade (2015–2025), Australia’s record at the SCG stands at 5 wins, 0 losses, and 6 draws, showcasing a decade-long unbeaten streak.
English teams have historically struggled at this venue, with Australia recording some of their largest Ashes margins here, including a massive 4-0 series-sealing win in 2018. While weather frequently plays a role in Sydney, leading to a high number of draws, Australia’s ability to dominate the first two innings usually ensures they remain the only side with a chance of victory. For the 2026 edition, the hosts will look to maintain this unbeaten Pink Test streak and deny England a second consecutive win.
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