Australia announces squad for fifth Test of Ashes 2025-26

New Delhi: The Australian cricket team has announced its 15-member squad for the final Test match of the Ashes series 2025-26. This match will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4. Leading the series 3–1, Australia made no changes to the team, meaning the squad from the previous match was retained.

absence of pat cummins

Regular captain Pat Cummins will not play in this match. He was rested in the fourth Test to maintain his fitness. After recovering from a back injury, he only returned for the Adelaide Test, where Australia won and retained the Ashes. The team management has decided to manage his workload in view of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka. This time Steve Smith will again captain the team.

Usman Khawaja’s place confirmed

Experienced batsman Usman Khawaja has got a place in the team. There were many discussions going on about his Test career, but coach Andrew McDonald has made it clear that Khawaja will be a part of the playing eleven in Sydney. In this series so far, he has scored runs at an average of 30 in three matches. Khawaja, who was earlier playing as an opener, is now batting in the middle order, where Travis Head has been in good form.

Questions on Cameron Green’s form

All-rounder Cameron Green’s batting has been relatively weak in this series. He has not been able to score any half century till now. Meanwhile, Beau Webster is returning from the Big Bash League and will join the team. The coach has said that before Sydney, some discussions will be held to strengthen the team’s batting, due to which changes in the playing eleven are possible.

Status and goal of the series

Australia have performed brilliantly in the series, but suffered a defeat against England in Melbourne, their first Ashes Test defeat on home soil in almost 15 years. Now leading 3-1, Australia will look to win in Sydney to wrap up the series 4-1.

Australian team for the fifth test

Players included in the team are: Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.