AUS vs ENG Today Match Prediction and Betting Tips, Odds and Live Score

The Ashes 2025–26 concludes with a final Test between two teams whose form has shifted dramatically. Australia won the first three encounters by relying on stronger batting lineups and sustained bowling attacks, but England’s methodical chase in the 4th Test has changed the atmosphere around this series finale.

Australia struggled badly at the MCG, managing fewer than 160 runs in either innings. That said, returning to the SCG, where Australia usually dictate proceedings, allows them to bounce back. England, meanwhile, can draw belief from how their attack performed and the composure their younger batters showed while chasing down a target in the previous game.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

ENG

W
L
L
L
L

HEAD TO HEAD

Australia Preview

Australia have opted for continuity ahead of the Sydney finale, keeping faith with the same Ashes selection after the loss at the MCG and confirming a 15-man squad for the fifth Test at the SCG.

Run scoring has generally held up for the hosts, though the previous outing left plenty of frustration. Travis Head has been the clear pace setter, piling up 437 runs across eight innings near the top at an average of 54.62. Those early contributions have pressed England straight away and opened the door for totals that put matches out of reach before momentum could swing.

Marnus Labuschagne has worked through the middle as the stabiliser, adding 174 runs at 25. Working alongside Steve Smith, he has brought balance and order to long passages, and how that pair fares here may shape the direction of this contest.

Usman Khawaja has revived his returns after a quiet stretch, compiling a fluent 153 from five innings at the head of the card. Alex Carey has added surprise value, chalking up 291 in six innings and repeatedly steering Australia away from uncomfortable moments.

The series hasn’t gone well for Cameron Green, leaving the selectors to consider in-form all-rounder Beau Webster as a replacement for the Sydney fixture.

Mitchell Starc has driven the attack, snaring 26 wickets at 17.42 and striking at decisive stages. Scott Boland has tightened the screws with 16 wickets, offering penetration when conditions have played along.

Todd Murphy will oversee the spin workload in Lyon’s absence, while Michael Neser’s seam option should add variety through the middle overs under pressure situations.

Australia Predicted Playing XI:

Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green/ Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland

Australia Actual Playing XI:

Cameron Green, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Steven Smith, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Michael Neser

England Preview

England responded strongly in the 4th Test, handling tense phases far better and sealing a famous win in Australia after losing three on the trot. The bowlers have adjusted smartly to local pitches, and the batting appears more assured as the action shifts to Sydney.

Zak Crawley heads into the Ashes finale as England’s top scorer, though his overall return sits at a modest 256 runs from eight outings. The opener posted 76 and 44 in Brisbane, followed by nine and 85 in Adelaide, while a fluent 37 from 48 deliveries set the tone during the fourth innings chase at the MCG.

Joe Root’s numbers have been steady, collecting 234 runs across eight knocks at an average of 33.14. Harry Brook, with 232 runs from eight innings, and Ben Stokes, who has 183, have played supporting roles, but expectations around them were greater. Across extended spells, Australia’s bowlers have largely kept England’s lineup in check.

England’s fast bowling stocks are thinning after Gus Atkinson suffered a hamstring issue in Melbourne. With Jofra Archer and Mark Wood sidelined already, Durham seamer Matthew Potts may finally earn his chance in the series.

Brydon Carse is set to shoulder added responsibility without Archer and Atkinson, having taken 19 wickets in the series at a healthy average of 25.57. Stokes and Josh Tongue have added value as well, combining for 25 wickets and easing the workload on the main attacking options.

England Predicted Playing XI:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue

England Actual Playing XI:

Ben Stokes, Will Jacks, Josh Tongue, Matthew Potts, Zak Crawley, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse

Weather Conditions

The Sydney Cricket Ground surface evolves throughout the course of a Test match. During the initial stages, seamers get assistance through movement off the deck and carry when bowling with the new ball, particularly in the morning session, though run scoring gets easier after batters find their rhythm. As the game moves forward, the pitch loses pace and allows spin bowlers to play a bigger role from the third day onwards.

Weather reports indicate possible rain during days three and four of the Sydney Test. If the pitch stays true, these interruptions might push the match toward a draw.

AUS vs ENG Pitch Report

Australia come into this game backed by a strong record at the Sydney Cricket Ground, winning 62 of 113 matches played there. They have been beaten at the venue just twice since 2000, both times against England in dead rubbers during 2003 and 2011.

What everyone wants to avoid, though, is another stalemate, considering six of the last 11 Tests at the SCG have ended in a draw.

Toss: To Bat

The SCG has traditionally suited sides batting first, with batters managing early swing effectively.  Our prediction strongly favours the toss-winning captain choosing to bat first.