The fifth Ashes 2025-26 Test It serves as the grand finale of the high-octane series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting on January 4, 2026. Australia is already mathematically guaranteed.
Ashes 2025-26: The final clash between Australia and England
Leading 3-1, the hosts dominated strong opposition in the early stages in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. England side snapped an 18-match unbeaten streak in Australia with a dramatic four-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Despite the series being decided, the Sydney match remains a high-stakes encounter for England as they aim to walk away with pride and a 3-2 lead, while Australia look to regain their lead and finish 4-1.
With the usual captain Pat Cummins rested for workload management, veteran Steve Smith continues at the helm of this sentimentally and strategically vital New Year event. The match carries great emotional weight as it is the annual Pink Test, which unites the cricketing world for a greater cause than the competition itself.
The legacy of the Pink test in Sydney
The Sydney Test is known as the pink test in honor of the deceased Jane McGrathwife of the legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath. After Jane died of breast cancer in 2008, Glenn and the McGrath Foundation partnered with Cricket Australia to transform the SCG into a cancer. ‘pink sea’ raising awareness and funds for breast care nurses. Although there will be pink stumps and branding throughout the match, Day 3 is officially marked as Jane McGrath Day.
On this special day, the importance of the cause reaches its peak; The Ladies’ Stand has been temporarily renamed the Jane McGrath Stand, and players from both teams often swap their traditional attire for pink-themed accessories or jerseys. Today, it serves as a national fundraiser where fans buy “virtual pink seats” and donate to ensure families across Australia have access to specialist cancer support. From 2025, the mission has expanded to include support for all types of cancer, making the third day in Sydney a profound moment of global sporting solidarity.
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Australian Castle: Record at the SCG Pink test
Australia have an incredible record at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the Pink Test era, often making the venue an unavoidable stronghold for visiting teams. Since the first official Jane McGrath Day in 2009, Australia has rarely tasted defeat in Sydney, benefiting from the ground’s unique reputation as the country’s most spin-friendly venue. Over the last decade (2015–2025), Australia’s record at the SCG shows a decade-long unbeaten streak of 5 wins, 0 losses and 6 draws.
English teams have historically struggled at this venue, with Australia recording their biggest Ashes margin here, including a massive 4-0 series win in 2018. While the weather often played a role in Sydney, leading to many draws, Australia’s ability to dominate the first two innings ensured they remained the only side with a chance of victory. For the 2026 edition, the hosts will be looking to continue this unbeaten Pink Test streak and deny England a second win in a row.
