Overview
- Usman Khawaja, 39, said the Sydney Test will be his last for Australia, closing a 15-year career that began with his debut at the SCG.
- In a lengthy SCG press conference, he said criticism of his injury and preparation echoed racial stereotypes he has faced throughout his life.
- England named a 12 for Sydney including spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts, with Gus Atkinson ruled out by a hamstring injury.
- SCG chief curator Adam Lewis said the surface is being prepared to promote a contest reaching day five after the two-day Melbourne finish drew scrutiny, including an ICC 'unsatisfactory' rating.
- Australia lead 3-1 and have retained the urn, and players from both teams attended Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s New Year reception ahead of Sunday’s start.