The head coach of the Australian team, Andrew McDonald, did say that changes will be made but they would be very cautious and limited for the Sydney Test, which is the fifth and last one in the Ashes series, and the very fact that ICC World Test Championship points are influencing the team’s decision. McDonald, despite Australia having already won the series with a score of 3–1, clearly pointed out that they do not want to underestimate the SCG encounter.

The Australian team is going to the Sydney Cricket Ground with the intention to react properly after the MCG upset, a rare case in which England won in the Boxing Day Test by four wickets. There are still discussions about possible changes, but McDonald is already saying that to keep the team’s performance stable is the main point.

"WTC is something that we aim and strive for. Every Test match is vitally important," was the statement in which McDonald not only mentioned Australia’s aspirations in winning the Ashes in the short term but also their long-term goals.

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Khawaja probably going to Sydney as Australia think about Murphy and Webster

One thing that is certain is that Usman Khawaja will take part, with McDonald having absolutely denied the rumor about the veteran player hanging up his boots. Khawaja, who earlier in the series was suffering from back spasms, had a very good game in Adelaide scoring 82 and 40. The coach says there is “no indication” that Khawaja is contemplating retiring from his career, and the performances he has put in this year completely justify his selection.

Debates on selection are likely to happen in other areas. Todd Murphy the spinner is very much in the mix, and McDonald has indicated that the SCG surface could be in favor of a specialist spinner. Australia famously did not include one in Melbourne, a strategic move that McDonald acknowledged is not their first choice.

Another all-rounder Beau Webster is also a possible choice which could mean that Cameron Green would have to make way for him. McDonald referred to it as a “nice problem to have,” and he pointed out the depth of talent available. The fifth Test commences on January 4, with Australia intending to not only end the Ashes series on a winning note but also keep their ambitions for the WTC firmly on track.