Ashes 2026: England Bat First in Sydney as Webster Debuts for Australia
The iconic SCG is the stage for the final act of the 2025-26 Ashes series, and the opening day has delivered its first major twist. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and, under overcast Sydney skies, elected to bat first. The bigger surprise, however, came from the Australian camp, with Tasmania’s Beau Webster receiving his baggy green for a shock Test debut.
With the series poised, Australia faces a crucial selection gamble, reportedly leaning towards omitting a specialist spinner on a pitch that traditionally offers turn. All eyes are now on the English openers and the home side’s revamped attack as the battle for the urn reaches its climax.
Day One: Toss, Teams, and Tactical Gambles
The morning at the SCG was dominated by team news and the flip of the coin. England’s decision to bat was a confident one, backing their ‘Bazball’ ethos from the outset. For Australia, the inclusion of all-rounder Beau Webster, a late call-up, signals a potential shift in balance, especially with speculation swirling about the omission of spinner Todd Murphy.
Confirmed Teams for the Fifth Test
| Australia | England |
|---|---|
| David Warner | Zak Crawley |
| Usman Khawaja | Ben Duckett |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Ollie Pope |
| Steven Smith | Joe Root |
| Travis Head | Harry Brook |
| Beau Webster (Debut) | Ben Stokes (c) |
| Alex Carey (wk) | Jonny Bairstow (wk) |
| Mitchell Starc | Will Jacks |
| Pat Cummins (c) | Ollie Robinson |
| Josh Hazlewood | Matthew Potts |
| Scott Boland/Nathan Lyon* | Mark Wood |
*Final bowling selection pending. Reports suggest Australia may go without a specialist spinner, which would see Boland play.
The Broader Context: A Look Back at 2023
To understand the significance of this final Test, it’s worth recalling the dramatic series that preceded it. The 2023 Ashes in England was a modern classic, setting the stage for the current rivalry.
The Ashes 2023: Series Results
| Test | Venue | Result | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Edgbaston, Birmingham | Australia won by 2 wickets | Nail-biting finish set the tone. |
| 2nd Test | Lord’s, London | Australia won by 43 runs | Stokes’ heroic 155 in vain. |
| 3rd Test | Headingley, Leeds | England won by 3 wickets | England kept series alive. |
| 4th Test | Old Trafford, Manchester | Match Drawn | Rain denied a thrilling finale. |
| 5th Test | The Oval, London | England won by 49 runs | Series drawn 2-2. |
That 2-2 draw meant Australia retained the Ashes urn, a fact that continues to fuel England’s desire on this tour. Memorable moments, like Pat Cummins’ exhausted celebration at Lord’s after dismissing Stokes, have become part of Ashes folklore.
Key Players and Narratives for Sydney
Several individual battles will define this SCG Test. Mitchell Starc, despite the SCG being his home ground, has a point to prove with the ball. For England, the pace of Mark Wood and the spin of Will Jacks, preferred over Shoaib Bashir, will be critical.
The captaincy duel between Pat Cummins and Ben Stokes remains a fascinating subplot. Cummins has previously shown a wry smile when asked about English misfortunes in other tournaments, highlighting the friendly yet fierce rivalry. His pre-match comments about being “surprised” England didn’t “go down swinging” in a previous match show how much Australia studies and respects their opponent’s aggressive approach.
“They seemed to have changed their style quite a bit game to game,” Cummins noted in a previous press conference, analysing the ever-evolving ‘Bazball’ strategy.
The SCG Factor and Weather Watch
The Sydney Cricket Ground is known for its tendency to assist spin as a Test match progresses. This makes Australia’s potential decision to forego a specialist spinner like Todd Murphy a massive talking point. It places extra load on the pace quartet and the part-time options of Travis Head and the debutant Webster. Weather forecasts have also mentioned possible rain interruptions, which could add another layer of complexity to the tactical battle over five days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in the 5th Ashes Test 2026 and what did they choose?
England won the toss and elected to bat first on Day One at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Who is making their debut for Australia in this Test?
Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster is making his Test debut for Australia, coming into the side as a late selection surprise.
What was the result of the last Ashes series in 2023?
The 2023 Ashes series in England ended in a 2-2 draw. Because Australia were the holders, they retained the Ashes urn.
Is a spinner playing for Australia at the SCG?
There are strong reports before play that Australia may not select a specialist spinner, which would mean Todd Murphy misses out. The final XI confirmation is awaited, with Scott Boland likely to play if that is the case.