Overview
- Australia already lead 3-1 and have retained the urn, with the fifth Test beginning January 4 at the SCG.
- Usman Khawaja, 39, has confirmed this match will be his final international appearance, returning to the ground where he debuted in 2011.
- Pat Cummins will miss the Test to manage a back issue and Steven Smith will captain Australia, with spin options such as Todd Murphy under consideration.
- England named a 12 including off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts, as Gus Atkinson was ruled out with a left hamstring injury.
- Cricket Australia will honour Bondi Beach first responders with an on-field guard of honour, while recent pitch scrutiny and storm forecasts could influence tactics.