Overview
- Usman Khawaja announced he will retire from international cricket after the fifth Test at the SCG and said criticism of his preparation carried racial stereotypes, telling reporters, "Don't gaslight me."
- Australia have already retained the urn with a 3-1 lead, while England arrive buoyed by a chaotic two-day win at the MCG, their first Test victory in Australia since Khawaja’s debut year.
- England named a 12 featuring spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts, with Gus Atkinson ruled out by a hamstring injury and fellow quicks Mark Wood and Jofra Archer already sidelined.
- SCG pitch curator Adam Lewis said the surface should promote a five-day match, noting healthy grass three days out and suggesting spinners could come into play later in the game.
- Steve Smith continues as Australia captain with Pat Cummins out managing a back issue, as the series concludes in Sydney from January 4.