Overview
- Australia lead 3-1 with the fifth Test set for January 4–8 at the SCG, where Steve Smith captains as Pat Cummins sits out with a back issue.
- Usman Khawaja, 39, confirms this will be his final international, closing an 87-Test career with 6,206 runs and 16 centuries, while continuing in T20 leagues and the Sheffield Shield.
- England’s 12 includes Shoaib Bashir and Matthew Potts, with Gus Atkinson ruled out by a hamstring injury sustained in Melbourne.
- Potts is favored for a recall with Bashir an option if the pitch turns, and Australia consider bringing in off-spinner Todd Murphy.
- Ben Stokes backs head coach Brendon McCullum to continue and targets a 3-2 scoreline after England’s two-day win in Melbourne.