The fourth Test of the 2021-22 Ashes is scheduled to get underway on Wednesday, January 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia, captained by Pat Cummins, have looked thoroughly dominating as they are leading the series 3-0 after wins in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.

The hosts put their best foot forward in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG as they won the game by an innings and 14 runs. It took the Aussies only two days and a bit to thump the Three Lions. Having already lost the series, the Brits will be looking to salvage some pride and evade a series whitewash going forward.

Joe Root has already invited a lot of criticism for not being able to lead his team with precision. Root, however, is the leading run-scorer in the series amidst shoddy batting from the rest of his teammates. Ben Stokes was earlier reported to be a probable candidate to replace Root as England’s Test captain.

But the all-rounder has brushed off the speculations. Australia, on the contrary, haven’t done much wrong in the series. The hosts will be looking to kick off 2022 with another resounding showing. It’s pertinent to note that England have won 22 out of 56 Tests in Sydney with seven games ending in draws.

Australia have roped in Usman Khawaja in place of Travis Head, who is currently in isolating in Melbourne after testing positive for COVID-19. Khawaja hasn’t played a Test since the 2019 Ashes. Scott Boland has also retained his spot after becoming the Player of the Match in the MCG Test. Josh Hazlewood is yet to attain full fitness and hence, couldn’t make the cut for the Sydney Test.

Playing XI: Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

Stuart Broad is back to the England playing XI after Ollie Robinson had to miss out due to a shoulder niggle. The 35-year-old didn’t play the Brisbane and Melbourne Tests de.