Overview
- Australia have already won the Ashes 3–1, with the fifth Test scheduled to start on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
- Andrew McDonald publicly dismissed speculation that Usman Khawaja will retire, saying he expects the batter to be “marking centre” in Sydney.
- Multiple outlets report an unchanged Australian squad for the SCG Test with Khawaja included, though decisions on the final XI remain open.
- Khawaja, who recently turned 39, lost his opening role and was dropped two matches ago before returning in Adelaide to score 82 after Steve Smith withdrew late.
- Rain is being flagged as a potential factor at the SCG, a venue with a recent history of weather-affected Tests.