England have announced a 12-man squad for the fifth and concluding Test of the 2025–26 Ashes, scheduled to begin in Sydney on Sunday, January 4. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been left out after suffering a hamstring injury during the fourth Test in Melbourne. The squad sees the inclusion of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and pacer Matthew Potts, both of whom are yet to feature in the series.
Ben Stokes-led England had lost the opening three Tests, handing the Ashes urn to Australia, but showed remarkable character to secure a dramatic four-wicket victory in the low-scoring Boxing Day Test. That win marked England’s first Test success on Australian soil since the 2010–11 tour, helping them avoid another humiliating whitewash Down Under.
Josh Tongue was the standout performer, claiming seven wickets in the match, including a five-for in the first innings. With conditions in Sydney often assisting spin, England may opt for a dual-spin combination featuring Bashir alongside Will Jacks.
England’s 12-member squad for the 5th Ashes 2025-26 Test
Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), Josh Tongue
Sydney Ashes Test: A Look Back
Australia and England last met in Sydney during the 2021/22 Ashes, with the series outcome already settled. The hosts had convincingly won the opening three Tests, and the second-to-last match was scheduled in Sydney. Australia posted a commanding 416/8 in their first innings, highlighted by a stellar 137 from Usman Khawaja.
England responded with 294, despite a brilliant century (113) from Jonny Bairstow. In their second innings, Australia scored 265/6, setting England a daunting target of 388. The visitors managed to hold on for a draw, finishing at 270/9 after 102 overs on the final day.
This draw allowed England to avoid a complete series whitewash, having lost the series-deciding match in Hobart by 146 runs. The series ultimately ended 4–0 in favor of Australia.
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