Sydney, 3 January 2026:
England captain Ben Stokes says his players should not be protective of their places as the tourists prepare for the final Ashes Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with the series already lost and selection changes looming.
England have declined to name their playing XI ahead of the fifth Test, opting instead to announce the team at the toss on Sunday. Ashes defeats have historically triggered reassessments within England squads, and Stokes made clear individual concerns should not come into the equation.
“There shouldn’t be any reason for anyone to get individual or insular about what they want to do this week,” Stokes said. “As soon as someone starts thinking about their own performances, it becomes quite easy to see through.”
Stokes said he has pushed a culture focused entirely on collective goals. “Everything you do, think and say is about what’s best for the team,” he said. “Whoever goes out there this week, every decision will be about what the team needs.”
England named a 12-man squad on Friday, with seamer Matthew Potts in line for an Ashes debut after Gus Atkinson was ruled out injured. That could leave England choosing between spinner Shoaib Bashir and all-rounder Will Jacks, a decision likely to hinge on conditions.
The SCG has traditionally favored spin, but its influence has waned in recent years, with only nine wickets falling to spinners across the series so far. Rain forecast for the opening day could further reduce the impact of slow bowling.
Australia have also delayed naming their XI amid pitch uncertainty following a green surface in Melbourne that produced a two-day Test. By Saturday, the SCG pitch had lost much of its early grass cover.
England were heavily beaten in the first three Tests but revived their tour with a victory in Melbourne, their first Test win in Australia in nearly 15 years. Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key have all indicated they intend to remain in their roles despite the series loss.
The Sydney Test will also mark the final international appearance of Australia batter Usman Khawaja. The match will carry the traditional pink theme in support of the Jane McGrath Foundation.
