AUS vs ENG 5th Test Match Preview:

It’s the time for the fifth and final Test of the Ashes Series on Sunday, 4th January. This Test match will take place at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia. With three wins on a trot, Australia have already sealed the series. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the fifth Test. Australia will want to give him a cheerful send-off with a respectable victory.

On the other hand, after almost 12 years and 18 Test matches on Australian soil, England registered a 4-wicket win in the Melbourne Test. They have won the last Test match in under two days. England will end the Ashes Series with high spirits if they can claim the fifth Test in Sydney.

AUS vs ENG Recent Performance:

AUS vs ENG The Ashes 2026 Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: The Ashes, 2025-26
• Match: AUS vs ENG Match 5th Test
• Date: 4 Jan. 2026
• Match Start Time: 05:00 AM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Star Sports Network & JioHotstar.

AUS vs ENG Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

AUS vs ENG Pitch & Weather Report:

From the second day of this Test match, the weather is likely to deteriorate, and rain may cause difficulties. The highest temperature is expected to hit nearly 20.0-33.0°C. Based on the previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 362 and 384 runs. The pitch offers good assistance to Pace, suggesting a High-scoring encounter

Sydney Cricket Ground stats: 

The Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch is ideal for batters. Pacers are effective at the start of the game. However, as the match progresses into day four, spinners come into play. Winning the toss and opting to bat first will be a wise decision on this surface.

AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Playing 11

Australia (AUS) Probable 11:

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

England (ENG) Probable 11:

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

AUS vs ENG- Top Picks from Australia

AUS vs ENG- Top Picks from England

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• Travis Head (AUS) is an explosive opener who has smashed 437 runs so far with an average of 54.63.
• Mitchell Starc (AUS) is the leading wicket-taker for Australia in this series and could prove to be a game-changer with his bowling skills.
• Ben Stokes (ENG) is a key all-rounder in England’s squad. He has scored 183 runs and claimed 13 wickets in this series. 
• Brydon Carse (ENG) showed his bowling ability in this series. He impressed with the ball and picked up 19 wickets so far with an economy rate of 4.69.

AUS vs ENG Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

AUS vs ENG Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

AUS is expected to emerge victorious in this match. Recently, they have appeared to be completely dominating England in this series. Additionally, they have the advantage of playing in their backyard.

AUS vs ENG 5th Test FAQ

Who is likely to win the AUS vs ENG match today?

Australia (AUS) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Australia.

Who are the top fantasy picks for the AUS vs ENG Dream11 team?

Mitchell Starc, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, Travis Head, Joe Root and Alex Carey

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is flat and excellent for batters, and we can expect an average score range between 362 and 384 runs.

AUS vs ENG 4th Test Match Preview:

It’s the time for the fourth Test of the Ashes Series, which will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. With three wins on a trot, Australia have looked completely dominant over England in this series. They have already sealed the series after winning the third Test match by 82 runs and will be looking to tighten their grip further by making it 4-0.

Meanwhile, Ben Stock’s side has failed to show its usual swagger and suffered three consecutive losses. However, England showed admirable fight in the 2nd inning but fell short of the target. Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley held their nerve and scored brilliant half-centuries, but it was not enough. England now desperately needs a win to salvage their pride on this tour.

AUS & ENG Recent Performance

AUS vs ENG Boxing-Day Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: The Ashes, 2025
• Match: AUS vs ENG Match 4th Test
• Date: 26 Dec. 2025
• Match Start Time: 05:00 AM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Star Sports Network & JioHotstar.

AUS vs ENG Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

AUS vs ENG Pitch & Weather Report:

The weather is expected to be favourable during this match. Chances of rain are slightly less. The highest temperature is expected to hit nearly 16.4°C. Based on the previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 340 and 351 runs. The pitch offers good assistance to Pace, suggesting a High-scoring encounter

Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia: 

The Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch is ideal for batters as it offers a flat surface. Pacers are effective at the start of the game; they can extract a little help from the pitch, so winning the toss and opting to bat first will be a wise decision on this surface.    

AUS vs ENG Probable Playing 11

Australia (AUS) Probable 11:

1.Travis Head, 2.Jake Weatherald, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Steve Smith (c), 4. Usman Khawaja, 5. Alex Carey (wk), 6. Cameron Green, 7. Mitchell Starc, ⁠8. Scott Boland, 9. Brendan Doggett, 10. Michael Neser, 11. Jhye Richardson

England (ENG) Probable 11:

1. Ben Duckett(WK), 2. Zak Crawley, 3. Jacob Bethell, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes(C), 7. Jamie Smith(WK), 8. Will Jacks, 9. Brydon Carse, 10. Gus Atkinson, 11. Josh Tongue

AUS vs ENG- Top Picks from Australia

AUS vs ENG- Top Picks from England

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

Travis Head (AUS) is an explosive opener who smashed 170 runs in 219 deliveries in the 2nd innings of the last match.

Mitchell Starc (AUS) is the leading wicket-taker for Australia in this series and could prove to be a game-changer with his bowling skills.

Ben Stokes (ENG) is a key all-rounder in England’s squad. He has scored 165 runs and claimed 9 wickets in this series. 

Brydon Carse (ENG) showed his bowling ability in this series. He impressed with the ball and picked up 14 wickets so far with an economy. Rate of 5.08.

AUS vs ENG Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

AUS vs ENG Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

AUS vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

AUS is expected to emerge victorious in this match. Recently, they have appeared to be completely dominating England in this series. Additionally, they have the advantage of playing in their backyard.

AUS vs ENG 4th Test FAQ

Who is likely to win the AUS vs ENG match today?

Australia (AUS) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Australia.

Who are the top fantasy picks for the AUS vs ENG Dream11 team?

Mitchell Starc, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, Travis Head, Joe Root and Alex Carey

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is flat and excellent for batters, and we can expect an average score range between 340 and 351 runs.

The Boxing Day Test is only a day away. This time at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia will host England for the 4th of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 season on this very iconic day. Not only cricket fans but also fans of other sports are aware of the Boxing Day Test, a celebrated holiday that is on the 26th of December every year. 

Cricket connected with this day back in 1950, when Australia played a Test match against their archrival England at the iconic MCG. Back in old-school England, rich families used to give their servants Christmas presents in boxes. Somewhere along the way, cricket got added to the mix in the 1950 Ashes in Melbourne. 

The historic 1950 Australia vs. England Boxing Day Test took advantage of the public holiday, drawing large crowds and creating a festive atmosphere. Its success led to the tradition becoming a regular feature of Australia’s international cricket calendar. Over the decades, the Boxing Day Test has hosted many famous teams and legendary performances, earning a reputation as one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated Test matches in world cricket.

Read More: Watch: Rohit Sharma takes field in Mumbai vs Sikkim contest in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025/26

What is Box Day Test?

On December 26, multiple countries across the globe marked it as a holiday. For which, people love to gather in large numbers to watch their favorite game live from the ground. Along with cricket, on this particular day, other sports events also can be arranged because of a possible large attendance. For sports lovers, especially for the cricket lovers, this day is no less than a moment of carnival. 

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia and SuperSport Park in Centurion, South Africa, are well-known venues for Boxing Day Tests. The MCG has been hosting Boxing Day Tests since 1950. It is one of the most iconic and largest cricket stadiums globally, with a capacity of over 100,000 spectators.

On Day 2 of the ongoing second match of the Ashes 2025-26, Ben Stokes took pickle juice during a break. Cricketers used to take water or energy drinks during a match. But why did Stokes take pickle juice during the match at The Gabba? What are the benefits of having pickle juice? Let's know about it all.

Benefits of Pickle Juice:

This fluid can be very beneficial for athletes and players, especially those who have to put a lot of effort into their bodies and muscles. For example, cricketers have to spend a lot of time on the field, whether they are batters, bowlers or fielders. Throughout the match, they have to run a lot across the field of pitch. For which, viewers often see cricketers struggling with muscle cramp. Pickle juice can help to fight against muscle cramps.

Key Benefits of Pickle Juice:

1. Electrolyte Replenishment & Hydration

2. Muscle Cramp Relief

3. Blood Sugar Management

4. Antioxidants

In the video, we can see that Stokes took the fluid after his 17th over spell. The Gabba Test is a day-night test, a different kind of hurdle for cricketers mentally and physically. Parallay, Stokes had to field and bowl for 17 overs, which was enough for a player to get exhausted. Relentless running can result in dehydration and muscle cramps. So, it is understandable why, during the match, he consumed the liquid.

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Watch the video when Ben Stokes took pickle juice

Ben Stokes reacting to the pickle juice treatment for his cramp 😂 🥴

Watch #TheAshes LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/24gM7at4jn

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 5, 2025

But it is necessary to remember that without taking advice from an expert, consuming pickle juice can be harmful for a body, as it contains a high amount of sodium.

At the end of Day 2, Australia is leading by 44 runs. England scored 334 runs in their first innings with the help of Joe Root's century. On the second day of the pink ball test, England had a poor day in fielding. Australia is currently at 378 runs for 6 wickets, with Alex Carey and Michael Neser at the crease.

The century of Joe Root in the ongoing 2nd Test of the Ashes 2025-26 caused some out-of-the-field hilarious moments because of a comment of Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden. The former cricketer had jokingly promised that he would run nude in Melbourne if Root failed to score a hundred in the ongoing Ashes series. This is not going to happen, as the England batter smashed a century at The Gabba.

Now, Grace Hayden, daughter of Matthew Hayden, with a sense of humour, shared a hilarious story on her Instagram account. She thanked the almighty, as her father would not have to run naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Grace thanked Joe Root for "saving all our eyes". "Root, thank you. You've saved all our eyes," she wrote in her Instagram story shortly after Root reached the milestone. The screenshot of the Instagram story quickly went viral across social media platforms, thanks to her huge fan following.

England was struggling earlier in the ongoing match, which is a pink ball test, because of early strikes from Mitchell Starc. Root stepped up on a big occasion and rescued his team from a possible batting collapse. The right-handed batter remained unbeaten for 138 off 206 with fifteen boundaries and one over boundary. With the help of Root's hundred-plus-run knock, England registered 334 runs in their first innings of the day-night Test.

Read More: Watch: Hardik Pandya hugged bowler after getting dismissed in SMAT 2025

Hilarious reply as Joe Root scored century in the 2nd Test of The Ashes

For Australia, Mitchell Starc took a total of 6 wickets in his 20-over spell in the first phase of the game. After the century of Root, Matthew Hayden took some moments to celebrate the occasion out of the commentary box.

A viral video, posted by Channel 7, showed Hayden broke into an enthusiastic dance outside the commentary box as soon as the England batter completed his century.

Let's cross LIVE to Matthew Hayden after Joe Root's century...

😂 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/4Wnnp5vsMN

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 4, 2025

Mitchell Starc was flying with the new ball at the Gabba on Day 1 of the 2nd Test match of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26. The pacer claimed the first wicket in the very first over of the match in the form of England opener Ben Duckett (0). Starc, in his 2nd over of the spell, clinched the wicket of Ollie Pope. Like Duckett, Pope also lost his wicket for a duck.

After winning the toss, England skipper Ben Stokes chose to bat first, and they were down by 2 men for only 5 runs in 2.3 overs because of Mitchell Starc. He bowled out Pope with a jaffa and took the wicket of the opener, Duckett, with the help of Marnus Labuschagne, who was standing at the slip cordon. With the wicket of Ollie Pope, strengthen his record in the pink ball (day-night test).

He is the bowler with the most wickets in the day-night Test cricket category and tops the list of the bowlers who took the most wickets against a single opponent with a pink ball. In the list of bowlers with the most wickets against a single team in pink-ball tests, Starc broke his own record. And if we talk about the most successful bowler in the pink ball Test, then he is miles ahead of his countryman Pat Cummins, who is second on the list. Nathan Lyon, a spinner and another Australian bowler, is third in the list.

Read More: Watch: Captain Ishan Kishan with fans after straight 5 wins in SMAT 2025

List of bowlers with the most wickets against a single team in pink-ball tests

• 20* - Mitchell Starc vs England
• 17 - Starc vs West Indies
• 16 - Shamar Joseph vs Australia
• 16 - Alzarri Joseph vs Australia

List of highest wicket takers in Pink Ball Test

Ten-wicket haul for Mitchell Starc. He completed his 10-wicket figure in the ongoing 1st Test of The Ashes 2025-26 at the Optus Stadium in Perth by dismissing England skipper Ben Stokes in the second innings.

Starc took 3 wickets in the second innings to go with the first innings' 7-wicket figure. Without the services of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Australia's bowling attack looked like a well-oiled machine mostly because of Mitchell Starc. In the second phase of the match, the pacer took the scalps of Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Stokes. In the first phase, Starc got the wickets of Crawley, Ben Duckett, Root, Stokes, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, and Mark Wood. The pitch of the Optus Stadium makes it more spicy.

None of the teams, despite having good batting power on paper, were not able to get near the 200-run mark. England went to bat first and registered 172 runs. The run on the scoreboard might have looked easy to overtake, but in reality, fiery spells from Jofra Archer and Mark Wood set the stage to make them believe they can protect their first-innings run.

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Mitchell Starc dismissed Ben Stokes and completed 10-wicket figure

Archer and Brydon Carse made the Australian top order shrink quickly, and then it was the moment for Stokes, who took 5 wickets. Australia bundled for only 132 in their first innings. In the second innings, England came to bat with a narrow lead on hand. Duckett and Ollie Pope were batting well. Starc and, surprisingly, Scott Boland cut their momentum short. Starc took 3, and Boland took 4. Debutant pacer Brendan Doggett also snatched 3 wickets in the process.

10 wickets for the match!

Magnificent, Mitch Starc.#Ashes | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/mMznMiumtS

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2025

England, in their second innings, collected only 164; Australia has to score 205 runs to win the opening match of The Ashes 2025-26. 

Unimaginable catch by Mitchell Starc. A caught and bowl to start Day 2 of the 1st Test of The Ashes 2025-26. Starc got England opener Zak Crawley for the second time in the match. And what a way to get a wicket! The crowd at the Optus Stadium in Perth absolutly loved the moment. Great bowling along with great fielding display by the tall Aussie pacer. 

On the 5th ball of the first over of the second innings, Starc dismissed Crawley for a caught and bowl. It was a good lenght delivery from the pacer, on the line of the middle stump, the batter was ready to play a straight drive. Crawley made the connection with the ball, but produced a leading edge. The ball might have stuck on the surface a littlebit and reached late to the batter, that's why the opener was not able to met the ball with sweet spot of his willow. 

Starc observed every movement of the ball thorougly, he saw the ball coming towards him, but with some pace and away from his body. To make the sure, the bowler showed his insane level of elasticity on his followthrough, bent himself down, stretched his left arm and grabbed the ball. He even curved his wrists so that the ball did not hit the ground. Umpire went for a check to make sure it was a fine catch, and it was an absolute fine catch. Mitchell Starc again on the roll, got his man early. 

Read More: Watch: All 19 wickets fell on Day 1 of the first Test of The Ashes 2025-26

Micthell Starc dismissed Zak Crawley with a caught and bowl: 

WHAT A RIDICULOUS TAKE! Mitchell Starc sends Zak Crawley off for a pair! #Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/1cg8PtLzx4

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2025

In the first innings of the match, Starc claimed 7 wickets in his 12.5 overs. England, batting first, scored only 172 runs in their first innings. The total was enough to take a lead as Australia, the home team got only 132 runs in their first innings. 

England captain and pace bowling alllrounder Ben Stokes bagged a 5-wicket figure to make to sure his team got some lead. Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse supported their captain well enough with their pace bowling.  

At the end of the day, it was the England cricket supporters who were louder than the Australian cricket supporters at the Optus Stadium in Perth. After the Stumps on Day 1 of the first Test of The Ashes 2025-26, England is leading by 49 runs, after scoring only 172 in the first innings. Australia, the home team, lost 9 batters for 123 runs. Nathan Lyon and Brendan Doggett will start Day 2 as the last wicket batters for the Aussies. Ben Stokes, team England captain, took 5 wickets in the process.

During the match, when the visiting side was positioning themselves ahead of their opposition side, Barmy Army, a group of England team supporters, got their moment to sledge the home team captain, Steve Smith. In the absence of Pat Cummins, who is out from action due to injury, Smith is the stand-in captain of Australia.

As Australia was going into huge trouble, members of the Barmy Army started to recite their infamous chant, "We saw you cry on the telly. Cry on the telly." Whenever Smith and the Australian team felt in a problematic situation against England, the Barmy Army started to chant those words to put more pressure on the opposition team, which is Australia. 

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Barmy Army sledge Steve Smith

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It was an out-and-out entertaining day of cricket. Mitchell Starc started to clinch wickets from the beginning of the match and concluded his bowling figure as 12.5-4-58-7; England bundled for 172 in 32.5 overs. Target was easy on paper, but the pacers of England left the Australian batting line-up suffocating for some fresh air.

Jofra Archer started the carnage by taking wickets of the openers, then it was Ben Stokes who claimed 5 wickets to clinch half of the opposition batting order. Brydon Carse also struck twice. Australia lost 9 wickets for 123, with Steve Smith gone for 17 off 49. 

A good day for Mitchell Starc and Team Australia, and a magical day for captain Ben Stokes and the England cricket team on Friday (November 21) at the Optus Stadium in Perth. It was a wicket-taking feast on the 1st day of the first Test match of The Ashes 2025-26. England all out for 172, Australia down by 9 men for only 123 runs. 19 wickets went down on a single day. All 19 wickets were taken by the pacers. 

England's first innings: 

It was a bright day at Perth, near the Swan River. A good number of crowds were there in the stadium to watch one of the greatest rivalries in the entire sport live from the gallery. In the very first over of the match, England lost their first wicket. Mitchell Starc got his first in the morning, and Zak Crawley headed back to the pavilion. 

Australia is forced to play the opening match of the innings without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, two ace pacers out of the match because of injury concerns. All eyes were then on Mitchell Starc, the most experienced pacer in the line-up, which proved enough to take down the English playing XI. 

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The partnership of Ollie Pope (46) and Harry Brook (52) was the only exceptional case when the England batting was looking more improved and promising. Together they added fifty-plus runs on the scoreboard. Jamie Smith (33) played an entertaining innings as well.

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, and Mark Wood are a list of batters who lost their scalps against a steaming Mitchell Starc. Starc got these wickets by using the line and length properly, accompanied by swing. 12.5-4-58-7 was the bowling figure of Starc. Debutant pacer Brendan Doggett claimed 2 wickets, and Cameron Green claimed one wicket.

First innings of Australia:

England starts from where Australia left. Jofta Archer with his redeemed form was absolutely on point. Another debutant from the Aussie side, opener Jake Weatherald departed cheaply. The other opener, experienced Marnus Labuschagne, also was not able to maintain his defense long enough against Archer. Archer got both of the openers. But it was Ben Stokes who turned into the wrecker-in-chief by taking 5 wickets. He single-handedly destroyed the middle and lower-middle order of the Australian batting lineup.

Here's every single one of the NINETEEN wickets to fall on Day 1 at Optus Stadium ... in just 71.5 overs 🤯#Ashes pic.twitter.com/d8QFJEmCxe

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 21, 2025

Stokes claimed the wickets of Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland. In 6 overs, the England skipper got those 5 wickets with one maiden over. Mark Wood bowled well too with a 150 km/h pace continuously but lacked wickets on Day 1. Australia lost 9 batters for 123 before stumps.