Overview:
Historically, the pitches at the SCG have facilitated spinners. However, of late things have changed with pace bowlers now finding more joy.
The Australian cricket team gears up for the 5th clash of the 5-match Ashes series against England, starting January 4. The Test match will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Australia beat England in the first three Tests and claimed a 3-0 lead. England then bounced back to win the 4th encounter at the MCG and crawl back in a series already lost.
In the first Test, the Aussies rode on Travis Head’s brilliant ton at the Perth Stadium to take a 1-0 lead. The match was over inside 2 days. It was a low-scoring affair with Mitchell Starc doing well with the ball for Australia.
The 2nd Test was a Day/Night affair held in Brisbane, Australia, which sealed the contest with Starc once again shining with the ball and also with the bat. England fell flat despite Joe Root’s ton in the 1st innings.
The 3rd Test saw England suffer an 80-run defeat in Adelaide.
The 4th Test in Melbourne was over inside 2 days. England won by 4 wickets chasing down a 175-run target.
Ahead of the 5th Test, England announced a 12-member squad. Spinners Matthew Potts and Shoaib Bashir were both included. However, one of them is likely to play after pace bowler Gus Atkinson got injured.
Australia squad for the SCG Test
Steve Smith (c), 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, Beau Webster.
England 12-man squad for the 5th Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
Australia and England have featured in 365 Test matches. Australia have won 155 matches compared to the England team’s 113. A total of 97 matches have been drawn. In Australia, the two teams have met on 189 occasions. The hosts have claimed 102 wins besides losing 58. A total of 29 matches have been drawn.
Australia probable XI for the match against England
Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland.
England probable XI for the match against Australia
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, Shoaib Bashir.
The 5th Test will start at 5:00am IST on January 4.
Sydney Cricket Ground, Melbourne & Key Details of the Stadium
The SCG is located in Sydney. The stadium was established in 1848 and has a capacity of 45,000-plus people. Besides cricket, the stadium has hosted tennis, motor racing, rugby, Australia Rules Football, baseball and other events.
In cricket, the first Test played here was in 1882 between Australia and England.
What is the Pitch like at the SCG, Sydney?
Historically, the pitches at the SCG have facilitated spinners. However, of late, things have changed with pace bowlers now finding more joy. A well-balanced contest between bat and ball is expected from the SCG pitch. SCG chief curator Adam Lewis insisted on Friday that a green top scene should not be a concern, and he was hopeful the match would extend into a fifth day. 6mm of grass will be on the surface with reduced density to keep everyone in the contest. Spin could come in late on which indicates a balanced approach.
Key Stats & Records at the Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG
A total of 113 Test matches have been played here. Australia have won 62 games and suffered 28 defeats. 23 matches have been drawn so far. Notably, England have featured in 57 Tests, winning 22, losing 27 and drawing 8.
India hold the highest team total record here, scoring 705/7d in 2004. The Aussies own 4 scores of 600-plus here. England’s best score here is 636 in 1928.
Australia own the lowest team total here, being dismissed for 42 in 1888. England’s lowest score here is 85 in 1987. England own the next three lowest scores too, managing 65, 72 and 77.
Former Aussie legend Ricky Ponting owns 1480 runs at 67.27 here at the SCG. Steve Smith is 5th on the list and top scorer with 1096 runs from 12 matches (19 innings).
Among bowlers, Shane Warne is the top wicket-taker with 64 scalps from 14 Tests at 22.92. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc has 27 scalps here from 7 matches, as per ESPNcricinfo.
AUS vs ENG: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
According to the weather forecast, Day 1 could witness rainfall. However, it’s expected to be hot and humid. Day 2 could see less rain intervention. Day 3 is clearer with no interruption predicted. Day 4 is set to be warm. A hot Day 5 is expected. One can see no rain on Day 5.
Australia vs England: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
All things considered, both sides will be up for it on a surface that will be balanced. Both teams will have pace options and can field a spinner. Australia will be slightly ahead, given the dominance of Mitchell Starc in the first 4 Tests. Batsmen will be in the contest and this provides an even contest.
FAQs – Pitch Report for SCG, Sydney
What is the pitch report for SCG, Sydney
Historically, the pitches at the SCG have facilitated spinners. However, of late, things have changed with pace bowlers now finding more joy. A well-balanced contest between bat and ball is expected from the SCG pitch. SCG chief curator Adam Lewis insisted on Friday that a green top scene should not be a concern, and he was hopeful the match would extend into a fifth day. 6mm of grass will be on the surface with reduced density to keep everyone in the contest. Spin could come in late, which indicates a balanced approach.
What is AUS and ENG’s record at the SCG, Sydney?
Notably, Australia and England have featured in 57 Tests at the SCG. Notably, England have featured in 57 Tests, winning 22, losing 27 and drawing 8.