Catch the latest Australia vs England 5th Test updates! Joe Root slams a masterclass 160, while Travis Head’s 91* keeps Australia alive at the SCG. Trending News Fox brings you the full Day 2 report and series analysis.
Australia vs England 5th Test Highlights: Joe Root’s 160 & Travis Head’s Counter-Attack Ignite SCG | Ashes 2025-26
The Ultimate Ashes Finale: Australia vs England 5th Test at the SCG
The 2025-26 Ashes series has reached its grand crescendo at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). While Australia has already retained the urn with a 3-1 lead, the 5th Test has proven that there is no such thing as a “dead rubber” when these two giants of cricket collide.
Day 2 of the final Test witnessed a titanic struggle between England’s technical masterclass and Australia’s aggressive counter-strike. From Joe Root’s record-equaling century to Travis Head’s blistering response, Trending News Fox brings you the definitive deep dive into the action.
Australia vs England 5th Test: Joe Root Joins the Immortals with Masterful 160
The story of the first innings belongs to one man: Joe Root. Entering the SCG with a legacy already secured, Root produced perhaps his finest performance on Australian soil. Resuming Day 2 on 72, Root navigated a disciplined Australian bowling attack with surgical precision.
Root’s 160 off 242 balls was not just an innings; it was a statement. This was his 41st Test century, a milestone that sees him draw level with the legendary Ricky Ponting. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis now stand above him in the pantheon of Test century-makers.
- Key Stat: Root has now passed 150 in Test cricket 17 times, placing him just one behind Sir Donald Bradman.
- The Partnership: Root and Harry Brook (84) shared a 169-run stand, the highest of the series for either side, rescuing England from a precarious 57-3 on Day 1.
Root’s masterclass finally ended when Michael Neser pulled off a stunning caught-and-bowled, diving across the pitch to claim a low catch that left the Sydney crowd in awe.
Michael Neser: The Quiet Destroyer
While much of the media attention focused on the pace of Mitchell Starc and the accuracy of Scott Boland, it was Michael Neser who proved to be the thorn in England’s side. Neser’s ability to find movement off a relatively flat SCG surface was clinical.
Neser finished with figures of 4-60, effectively cleaning up the English tail and preventing a total that could have exceeded 450. His scalps included the crucial wicket of Root and the dangerous Will Jacks.
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Runs | Economy |
| Michael Neser | 22 | 4 | 60 | 2.72 |
| Mitchell Starc | 19 | 2 | 78 | 4.10 |
| Scott Boland | 18 | 2 | 65 | 3.61 |
Travis Head’s Counter-Attack: The Aussie Response
England’s total of 384 was formidable, but Travis Head ensured the momentum didn’t stay with the tourists for long. Walking out with Australia at 57-1 after Ben Stokes dismissed Jake Weatherald, Head played with the kind of freedom that has defined his career.
Head’s unbeaten 91 off just 87 balls at stumps on Day 2 was a masterclass in aggressive Test batting. He reached his fifty in just 55 deliveries, putting the England bowlers—specifically Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue—under immense pressure.
Head’s “see ball, hit ball” philosophy forced Ben Stokes into defensive field settings, allowing Australia to race to 166-2 at the close of play. Australia now trails by 218 runs with 8 wickets in hand, setting the stage for a massive Day 3.
Key Flashpoints: The Labuschagne-Stokes Clash
Test cricket is as much about temperament as it is about technique. The SCG heat boiled over during the final session when Marnus Labuschagne and England captain Ben Stokes engaged in a heated verbal exchange.
The confrontation followed a series of play-and-misses, with Stokes eventually getting his man. Labuschagne (48) thick-edged a Stokes delivery to Jacob Bethell at gully, providing England with a vital late-day breakthrough. The dismissal was a relief for England, as Labuschagne looked set for a big score alongside Head.
Pink Test: The McGrath Foundation and the SCG Tradition
Beyond the boundaries, the 5th Test continues the beautiful tradition of the “Pink Test.” Day 3 will see the SCG transformed into a sea of pink to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
This initiative, led by legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath in memory of his late wife Jane, provides breast care nurses to families across Australia. It remains the most emotional and significant day on the Australian cricket calendar.
Series Overview: How We Got Here
As we look toward the final days of this Ashes tour, it is worth reflecting on a series that has been dominated by the Baggy Green, yet punctuated by English resilience.
- Perth (1st Test): Australia won by 8 wickets.
- Brisbane (2nd Test): Australia won by 8 wickets (Day/Night).
- Adelaide (3rd Test): Australia won by 82 runs.
- Melbourne (4th Test): England won by 4 wickets (A historic Boxing Day comeback).
- Sydney (5th Test): Currently poised for a thrilling finish.
England’s victory at the MCG was their first Test win in Australia since 2011, and they are clearly desperate to end the tour with another win to make the final scoreline 3-2.
Expert Analysis: What to Expect on Day 3
Day 3 is often referred to as the “Moving Day.” For Australia to seize control, Travis Head must convert his 91* into a massive hundred. The role of the nightwatchman, Michael Neser, and the incoming Steve Smith will be pivotal.
The SCG pitch is showing signs of uneven bounce. While it remains a good surface for batting, the spinners—Shoaib Bashir for England and potentially Todd Murphy if utilized—could become major factors as the match progresses into the fourth and fifth days.
“The wicket is quickening up just a little bit. We need to be mindful of that. If we can get through the first hour on Day 3, we are in a great position to take a lead.” — Michael Neser, post-match interview.
Australia vs England 5th Test: Why This Match Matters for Ranking Improvements
For those following the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) rankings, this match carries significant weight. Australia is looking to solidify their spot at the top of the table, while England is fighting for pride and crucial points to move up from the middle of the pack.
Individual rankings are also on the line. Joe Root’s 160 will likely catapult him further ahead in the ICC Batting Rankings, while Travis Head’s consistent run-scoring is putting him in contention for the top three.
Conclusion: A Grandstand Finish at Trending News Fox
The 5th Test at the SCG is delivering everything cricket fans could hope for. High-stakes drama, legendary milestones, and the fierce rivalry that makes the Ashes the pinnacle of the sport.
Whether England can dismantle the Australian middle order or Travis Head powers the hosts to a massive lead remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the final chapters of the 2025-26 Ashes will be written in gold.
Stay tuned to Trending News Fox for ball-by-ball updates, post-match analysis, and exclusive interviews from the SCG.
Australia vs England 5th Test: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the 4th Ashes Test?
England won the 4th Test at the MCG by 4 wickets, marking their first win in Australia in 15 years.
2. How many centuries has Joe Root scored?
Joe Root has scored 41 Test centuries, equaling Ricky Ponting’s record.
3. What is the significance of the Pink Test?
The Pink Test at the SCG raises money for the McGrath Foundation to support breast cancer nurses and patients.
4. Has Australia already won the Ashes?
Yes, Australia has already retained the Ashes as they lead the series 3-1 heading into the final Test.
