Overview
- Australia have retained the urn at 3–1 and will conclude the series at the SCG from Jan. 4, with Steve Smith leading a named squad that retains Usman Khawaja.
- Head coach Andrew McDonald said there is no indication Usman Khawaja plans to retire in Sydney and he expects the opener to play.
- The ICC rated the Melbourne surface unsatisfactory and issued a demerit point after the Boxing Day Test ended inside two days.
- England’s four‑wicket victory at the MCG was their first Test win in Australia in nearly 15 years, narrowing the final scoreline prospect to 3–2 or 4–1.
- Former players intensified criticism of techniques and preparation, with Matthew Hayden and Greg Chappell faulting batting standards, public calls emerging for a consolation fixture for fans after the two‑day finish, and England confirming Gus Atkinson’s hamstring injury has ruled him out of Sydney.