Key Highlights
- Australia’s innings ends with a score of 567, leading by 183 runs.
- Steve Smith scores 138 runs in his innings before being dismissed for the last ball.
- Ben Stokes is injured during the match and leaves the field due to a suspected groin strain.
- The ABC ends its boycott with Cricket Australia after a disagreement over media interviews.
Ashes 2026: England Faces Uphill Battle Against Australia on Day Four of SCG Test
England’s hopes of claiming the Ashes are dwindling as Australia bats out to an impressive total of 567, leading by a significant margin. The scoreline is reflective of the day’s proceedings at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where England captain Ben Stokes suffered a suspected groin strain and was forced to retire early on day four.
Stokes’ Departure Puts Pressure On England
The match took an unexpected turn when England’s star player, Ben Stokes, limped off the field mid-over due to a groin injury. His departure marks a major blow for the English team as he had been performing well in recent matches. The absence of such a key player left England struggling to maintain their momentum against a strong Australian batting lineup.
Smith’s Dominant Performance
Australia’s Steve Smith, who was in complete control early on day four, managed to score 138 runs before being dismissed with the last ball of his innings. This performance by Australia’s captain showcases their continued dominance and highlights the individual brilliance required for a team victory.
ABC Boycott Ends
The ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) announced an end to its brief boycott of Cricket Australia following a dispute over media interviews. This development suggests a return to normalcy in communication between the two parties, with the broadcasters now able to engage more freely with players and teams.
Live Updates: Day Four at SCG Test
The day’s action saw Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster bat for Australia, with Starc being dismissed by Josh Tongue. Webster’s innings continued as he moved towards a potential first Test century, though it remains to be seen whether this will materialize given the remaining challenges faced by his team.
England, without their key player Stokes, is facing an uphill battle against the Australian team, who are well-placed to secure victory. The score of 567 for Australia means that England must make substantial progress in their second innings if they hope to avoid a defeat and retain any Ashes glory.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on how the English players can cope without Stokes and whether Australia’s lead can be narrowed or extended. The final day at the SCG promises to be an intense and crucial contest in this pivotal Test series.
Note: For live updates, stats, and more, follow our live blog and ScoreCentre for real-time information throughout the day.
