Ashes 2025-26: Australia announces 15-man squad for SCG Test

On Friday, January 2, Cricket Australia announced Australia’s 15-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test against England, which starts on Sunday, January 4, at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. 

Advertisment

Steve Smith will continue to lead the team in Pat Cummins’ absence. Notably, Cummins, who was part of the third Test in Adelaide, has been rested for the Boxing Day Test and the New Year Test after Australia retained the Ashes.

On the other hand, Usman Khawaja, who announced his retirement from international cricket, has retained his place in the squad. Notably, the SCG Test will be his last in his international career.

In the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 campaign, the 39-year-old top-order batter started as the opener. However, in the second innings of the first Test, Khawaja didn’t come out to bat after suffering from back spasms. 

Later, he missed the second Test in Brisbane and was initially left out for Adelaide, after only being recalled to bat at No. 4 after Steven Smith was ruled out of the Test.

During the fourth Ashes Test against England, Khawaja played in the middle order with Travis Head and Jack Weatherald. The left-handed batter made 29 off 52 balls and a two-ball duck across both innings.

In total, Khawaja has mustered 153 runs in three matches and five innings at an average of 30.60, including one fifty, which came in Adelaide. The hosts will aim to come back stronger in the New Year Test after they suffered a four-wicket loss in the Boxing Day Test.

Advertisment

Australia squad for fifth Ashes Test:

Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!