The Ashes 2026 series finale hangs in the balance, and today could be the day Australia either cements their dominance or England stages a dramatic comeback! All eyes are on Travis Head as he resumes his innings, tantalizingly close to a century. Will he reach the milestone and propel Australia to a commanding lead? Or will England's bowlers strike early and turn the tide?
Follow every heart-stopping moment from the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) right here. We'll provide live updates, expert analysis, and all the key stats. For in-depth data, check out our ScoreCentre [https://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/score-centre/cricket/2026-01-04/aus-eng/62847], and for live commentary, tune into our radio broadcast [https://www.abc.net.au/listen/live/sport].
Live Updates from Day Three:
Just Now (11:01 PM): 34th Over Continues - Stokes to Bowl
By Henry Hanson
The atmosphere is electric! The stands at the SCG are rapidly filling as the Australian batsmen, Michael Neser and Travis Head, make their way to the crease. Travis Head is on 91, just nine runs away from his century. Michael Neser will face the second ball of the 34th over, bowled by Ben Stokes. The tension is palpable!
2 Minutes Ago (10:59 PM): Michael Neser's Arm Bandaged
By Jon Healy
Remember that nasty blow Michael Neser took on the arm from Ben Stokes right before the close of play yesterday? Well, he's sporting a bandage on his right forearm – his bowling arm. While he's padded up and ready to bat, it'll be fascinating to see how this injury affects his bowling performance later in the match. This could be a significant factor, particularly if Australia needs him to bowl crucial overs. Keep an eye on this!
3 Minutes Ago (10:57 PM): Baggy Pinks Presented on Jane McGrath Day
By Henry Hanson
A truly heartwarming moment as the Australian team is presented with their Baggy Pinks on a pink carpet in front of the Members' stand. The presentation is being conducted by the McGrath family, led by Glenn McGrath himself. These special Baggy Pinks will be auctioned off after the Test, with all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation, supporting breast cancer research and care. The English team is also receiving their Baggy Pinks, a show of solidarity and sportsmanship. It's a beautiful day in Sydney, perfect for cricket and a worthy cause.
9 Minutes Ago (10:52 PM): A Sea of Pink
By Henry Hanson
If you thought the first two days were pink, prepare to be amazed! Moore Park is awash in every shade of pink imaginable – salmon, magenta, rose, bubble gum, fuchsia... It's a stunning sight! Today is, of course, Jane McGrath Day, the heart of the SCG Test. The money raised today will directly support cancer nurses across the country, providing vital care and support to those affected by the disease. Reports suggest there was a fierce rush for seats in the Members' area this morning, highlighting the importance of this day to cricket fans.
Key Event (10:46 PM): The Jamie Smith Dismissal - A Moment of Madness?
By Jon Healy
Right before lunch on day two, something truly bizarre happened. Jamie Smith, seemingly well-set on 46 with Joe Root cruising after reaching his century, played a shot that has been universally condemned. With England at 5-320, Smith attempted a rash shot that led to his dismissal.
Former Australia opener Simon Katich suggested Smith might get a pat on the back for his intent, but the cricket world has been far less forgiving. Here's what some prominent figures had to say:
- Stuart Broad: "One of the worst Test dismissals I've ever seen."
- Michael Atherton: "It was witless. I can't think I've seen a worse dismissal from an England batter."
- Jason Gillespie: "We've seen some dumb cricket this summer, but this takes the cake. I'm not sure anyone has gifted their wicket more in the history of Test cricket than Jamie Smith did just then."
- Alex Hartley: "Filthy. Absolutely filthy. We've just said you cannot get out to this filth. and he's given his wicket away. What is that? That is just a lack of discipline."
- Justin Langer: "Not for the first time, Jamie Smith has played one of the dumbest shots you'll ever see in Test cricket. Dumb cricket."
But here's where it gets controversial... Was Smith simply unlucky, or was this a genuine lapse in judgment? Could this dismissal be a sign of a deeper issue within the England batting lineup, a lack of composure under pressure? What do you think? Was this the worst Test dismissal ever, or are the critics being too harsh? Let us know in the comments below!
Key Event (10:31 PM): Day Two Recap - Highs, Lows, and Heated Moments
By Jon Healy
Day two was a rollercoaster! We witnessed another majestic innings from Joe Root, followed by yet another England batting collapse (highlighted by the aforementioned shocking dismissal). Travis Head then came out swinging, scoring at a rapid pace. And to top it all off, we had a fiery mid-pitch confrontation between Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne, involving some... questionable physical contact. Tempers are clearly flaring as the series nears its conclusion!
Key Event (10:23 PM): Welcome to Day Three!
By Jon Healy
Hello cricket fans, and welcome to day three of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the SCG! We're approaching the halfway point of this crucial match, and the game is delicately poised. Australia currently holds a slight advantage, but trailing by 218 runs, a couple of quick wickets could easily shift the momentum back in England's favor. And this is the part most people miss... England's bowlers need to exploit the conditions early.
However, if Travis Head continues his explosive innings from overnight, he could quickly bat England out of the game. He's currently on 91*, and a century could be the catalyst for a dominant Australian innings. So, buckle up and stay tuned as we bring you every moment of today's play! Who will seize control of this Test match? Join the conversation and share your predictions in the comments below! What do you think will be the deciding factor today?
