the final of Ashes 2025-26 the series moves to the famous Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for the traditional New Year’s Test from 4 January 2026. England‘s emphatic four-wicket win at the MCG, his first Test win Australia Since 2011, visitors have been flocking to Sydney. However, they have to contend with a typical Sydney summer forecast that threatens to halt the early stages of the match before giving way to the classic ‘Pink Test’ sunshine.
Ashes 2025-26: Both sides face further injury blows
Australia’s depth test continues as they head to the SCG without a captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyonboth were ruled out for the rest of the series after the Adelaide Test. Steve Smith Retains his captaincy for the series finale, leading a see-through squad Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson integrated into the installation. And the biggest story for the hosts is the emotional goodbye Osman Khawajawho confirmed his retirement from international cricket after this Test.
England’s injury crisis deepened despite their win in Melbourne. Sailor Gus Atkinson He was ruled out of the SCG Test after picking up a hamstring injury during the Boxing Day clash. He joins Jofra Archer and Mark Wood outside, leaves Ben Stokes with a depleted temp battery. In response, England selected a 12-man squad Shoaib Bashir and sailor Matthew PottsBashir made his first appearance of the series on a surface traditionally friendly to potential slow bowlers.
Sydney Weather Forecast for the New Year 5th Ashes 2025-26 Test
Day 1: Opening day on Sunday, January 4 is expected to be a stop-start affair. Heavy thunderstorms and intermittent rain are expected, with a 55% chance of rain during the day. Temperatures will reach a humid 27°C and high humidity levels could help swing bowlers during the playing windows. Both teams need to be mentally sharp to face frequent stoppages.
Day 2: Monday, January 5 Conditions remain unsettled as wet weather continues. Mostly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of showers will continue, although the risk of overall washouts will decrease. The humidity in the air and the mild southerly wind will be of interest to the sailors and will make the morning session a critical survival period for the top-class batters.
Day 3: Although there is still a 20% chance of rain on Tuesday, January 6, the clouds are expected to clear for the annual Pink Test celebrations. Mostly sunny skies and a pleasant top of 26°C are forecast. As the sun descends on the SCG, the pitch should start to dry out and harden, allowing the batsmen to take advantage of the improving conditions. This is often the best day to bat in Sydney.
Day 4: Wednesday, January 7 Turns into a heat factor on the penultimate day as temperatures soar to 28°C under bright sunshine. If no rain appears, the SCG surface will begin to erode significantly. This action-packed day will see the spinners take center stage as they try to take advantage of the roughness created by the fast bowlers’ chases.
Day 5: Thursday, January 8 The Test is set for a sweltering finish with a forecast high of 31°C and clear skies. If the match goes to the final day, it will be a grueling battle of endurance. Dry, baking conditions will favor disciplined spinners and bakers who can stay focused in the sweltering Sydney heat.
Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Shoaib Bashir returns as England announce squad for SCG Test
 for the traditional New Year's Test. England recently registered a spirited four-wicket victory at the MCG in the fourth Test.){kind=link}