Usman Khawaja and Matthew Potts Set to Feature in Fifth Ashes Test at SCG
Usman Khawaja is confirmed to play for Australia in the fifth Ashes Test against England, scheduled to begin on 4 January 2026 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Australia coach Andrew McDonald has guaranteed Khawaja's participation in Sydney, denying any current retirement plans despite ongoing speculation. Khawaja, aged 39, has had recent fitness concerns, missing the Brisbane Test due to a back injury and not being selected for the third Test; he subsequently contributed scores of 82 and 40 at Adelaide. McDonald highlighted that retirement decisions will be made by the selection group and no retirement discussions have taken place so far. The SCG is known for memorable farewell crowds, and should this be Khawaja's final Test, a warm reception is anticipated. The Australian team is also managing other selections, with Beau Webster released to the Big Bash League and Todd Murphy a likely inclusion if conditions favour spin, while Jhye Richardson may be rested if pace is preferred. Looking ahead, Australia’s next Test is expected in Darwin and North Queensland against Bangladesh about eight months from now.
On the England side, Matthew Potts is poised to play in the same Test, earning his 11th Test cap and first appearance in roughly a year, his last being against New Zealand in Hamilton in December 2024. Potts' inclusion follows the confirmation that Gus Atkinson will miss the series finale due to a hamstring injury sustained on day two in Melbourne. Atkinson finishes the tour with six wickets at an average of 47. England's lineup could remain largely unchanged if Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue recover and Will Jacks holds the No 8 spot as the spin option, meaning Potts would replace Atkinson. The team has also coped with early tour ends for Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, whose knee injury led to Matthew Fisher being added as cover after the Brisbane Test. Potts has taken 36 wickets at an average of 29 in his Test career and is seen as a suitable pace option especially if the SCG wicket favors that style. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg expressed hopes for a good pitch at the SCG and a fitting, memorable conclusion to what has been a remarkable series.
