Australia Unveils Squad for Final Ashes Test Against England

Australia's Squad Announcement for the Ashes Finale

On January 1, Australia revealed its 15-member team for the fifth and concluding Ashes Test against England, set to commence on January 4 in Sydney, as reported by cricket.com.au.

With regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined, seasoned batsman Steve Smith will take the helm of the Australian team. Cummins was unable to participate in the first two Tests due to a lower back injury but returned to lead the team at the Adelaide Oval, where Australia successfully retained the Ashes.

However, the Australian management has opted to rest Cummins for the remainder of the Ashes series to manage his workload effectively, ensuring he remains fit for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. The fast bowler is also included in Australia's provisional squad for this prestigious tournament.

In the midst of ongoing retirement rumors, 39-year-old Usman Khawaja has kept his spot in the squad for the fifth Test against England in Sydney.

Khawaja, who has been a long-time opener for Australia in the current Ashes series, faced challenges during the Perth Test due to back spasms, which prevented him from batting in the second innings. He missed the Brisbane Test and was initially omitted from the Adelaide match but was called up to bat at No. 4 due to Steven Smith's illness.

In the fourth Test, Khawaja played in the middle order alongside Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, scoring 29 runs off 52 balls and a two-ball duck across both innings.

Throughout the ongoing Ashes series, Khawaja has accumulated 153 runs in three matches and five innings, averaging 30.60, with one half-century achieved in Adelaide.

Australia aims to recover in the upcoming Sydney Test after facing a four-wicket defeat against England, led by Ben Stokes, in the Boxing Day Test held in Melbourne.

Australia's squad for the fifth Ashes Test includes:

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, Beau Webster.