The fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series pits Australia against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 4, 2026, at 10:30 AM local time (5:00 AM IST). This dead rubber holds emotional weight as Usman Khawaja bids farewell to international cricket after the match.
Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney hosts this clash from January 4-8. Local start time sits at 10:30 AM AEDT, with IST viewers tuning in at 5:00 AM daily.
The SCG pitch, prepared by curator Adam Lewis, features about 6mm of grass and should bake into a typical straw-colored surface favoring pace early before offering spin from Day 3. Average first-innings scores hover around 370, with pacers getting the most assistance (70%). Weather forecasts hot, humid conditions at 20-33°C, but rain risks climb to 65% from Day 2, potentially disrupting play. Day 1 might see showers, clearing somewhat mid-series before warming up.
Australia clinched the Ashes with three straight wins after England’s stunning 4-wicket Melbourne triumph in the fourth Test, marking their first victory Down Under in nearly 12 years. Momentum swings back to the hosts, who eye a series whitewash and a fitting send-off for retiring opener Khawaja. England, buoyed by that Boxing Day heist, chases a consolation win to end on a high.
Australia dominated early with victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, but Melbourne exposed vulnerabilities against England’s fightback. Key chatter revolves around Khawaja’s retirement, Steve Smith’s leadership sans Pat Cummins (injured?), and spinner selections for SCG turn. England, after three losses, roared back in Melbourne—Zak Crawley and Joe Root starring—but must sustain that without ruled-out Mark Wood.
Head-to-Head Summary
The rivals have clashed 361 times in Tests, with Australia leading via 152 wins to England’s 112, alongside 97 draws. In Ashes specifically, it’s tighter at 57 matches: Australia 29 wins, England 20, 8 draws. Last five meetings: Australia 3 wins, England 1, 1 draw—hosts winning the series’ first three before England’s Melbourne magic.
AUS vs ENG Match Details
- Match: AUS vs ENG 4th Test Match
- Teams: England vs Australia
- Date: 26 December 2025
- Time: 10:30 AM local time (5:00 PM IST
- Venue: Adelaide Oval
Where To Watch the ENG vs AUS Match Live Streaminginfo:
Watch FOX Sports Live Cricket Stream Now For AUS vs ENG Live Stream 26 December 2025, | Reddit Cricket Streams Aus vs England 4th Test 2025.
Multiple platforms are offering live coverage of this historic encounter to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
- Star Sports Live: Star Sports will broadcast the match for fans in several regions, providing expert commentary and in-depth analysis.
- Sky Sports OPn Sports Live: OPn Sports will offer live streaming of the match for cricket enthusiasts in England. Australia, Afghanistan, and nearby regions.
- Live Streaming Platforms: The match will also be available on major streaming platforms like Hotstar, allowing viewers to catch the action online.
The Test match between England vs Australia will be broadcast live on Ban Tech in Afghanistan and on Star Sports Network in India. In addition to this, the match can also be seen on the Hotstar and Willow TV apps.
Live Streaming Info:
Willow Cricket will be live: AUS vs ENG
Live Score:
Probable Playing XI
Aus Probable XI: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Todd Murphy.
ENG Probable XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue.
Australia Team Analysis
The Baggy Greens boast explosive batting led by Travis Head (437 series runs) and a lethal pace attack with Mitchell Starc (26 wickets). Strengths lie in depth and home dominance, but Melbourne’s collapse highlighted middle-order fragility. Weaknesses? Occasional over-reliance on top-order fireworks amid injuries like Josh Hazlewood’s. Key performers: Starc’s swing, Scott Boland’s control (16 wickets), Alex Carey’s keeping. Recent form: WWWL, primed for Sydney sweep.
England Team Analysis
Ben Stokes’ side thrives on aggression, with Brydon Carse (19 wickets) and Stokes (183 runs, 13 wickets) driving the comeback. Batting firepower from Crawley (256 runs) and Root shines, but early-series collapses exposed bowling inconsistencies sans Wood. Strengths include resilience post-Melbourne; weaknesses persist in sustaining pressure over five days. Recent: LLLW, hungry for more.
Match Prediction
Australia’s series stronghold, home conditions, and pace battery give them the edge for a final win, despite rain threats and England’s Melbourne spark. Expect a high-scoring opener before spin decides late—australia to seal 4-1