Get ready for an Ashes showdown! The 2026 series is heating up, and we've got all the live updates right here.
Australia's first innings ended on a high note, scoring 567 runs, but there's a twist! England's Ben Stokes, the skipper, had to leave the field due to an adductor injury, leaving the team in a tricky situation.
Follow along as we bring you every twist and turn of this thrilling Test match at the SCG. Keep an eye on our live blog, stats, and radio call for all the action.
And here's where it gets controversial...
As the lunch break approaches, England is on a roll, while Australia is struggling to find its footing. The opening wicket of Zak Crawley feels like a distant memory, and England's batters are cruising.
But wait, there's more! A dropped catch in the penultimate over could have sent Ben Duckett on his way, but he's still at the crease, scoring his highest in the series.
Lunchtime provides a chance for Australia to regroup and strategize. Will captain Steve Smith be able to put his differences with Cameron Green aside and focus on the game plan?
As the 17th over begins, Cameron Green takes the ball. He needs a wicket to save face, as his batting has been less than impressive. The pressure is on!
Duckett starts with a single, followed by Bethell, and the pair continue to push Australia's bowlers. Green angles in, but Duckett keeps his cool and pushes to the leg side.
And this is the part most people miss...
A single off the final ball, and it's lunch! Australia needs to pull it together if they want to turn this around.
In the 16th over, Michael Neser steps up, but Duckett ducks out of the way. A close call, as the ball seams away, causing some anxiety in the England dressing room.
Then, drama unfolds! Cameron Green drops a catch that should have been Steve Smith's. Green's misstep could cost Australia dearly.
So, who's to blame for this blunder? Is Green feeling the pressure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
As the 15th over begins, England reduces Australia's lead to 118 runs. Green bowls to Duckett, but the ball balloons off his thigh pad, and England nicks a single.
Bethell adds another, and Duckett moves to 37, his highest score of the series. But wait, there's a bouncer that drills Bethell in the helmet! A scary moment, but he negotiates it well.
Are bouncers becoming a concern in this series? Should there be stricter rules? We want to hear your opinions!
In the 14th over, Starc looks for his rhythm. Bethell edges one, but it flies behind point for a boundary. Starc's accuracy is lacking, and he's not happy about it.
As the 13th over starts, Cameron Green, the all-rounder, enters the scene. He bowled well with the second new ball in the first innings, but can he repeat the magic?
Duckett survives a close call, pushing outside off and missing a feathered edge. Then, he brings up England's 50 with a powerful pull shot!
But Green strikes back, finding the shoulder of Duckett's bat and sending the ball ballooning. Duckett crushes a cover drive, but it's straight to the fielder.
Who do you think will be the player of the series? Travis Head or Mitchell Starc? Share your predictions!
In the 12th over, Starc needs to find his accuracy. He starts well, but Duckett drives down the ground. Starc cuts it off, but then bowls down leg, and Duckett clips two off his thigh.
Is Starc's performance slipping? Or is he just having an off day? Discuss in the comments!
Starc tries the yorker, but Duckett whacks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. He edges behind him for a single, and then Bethell faces Neser.
As the 11th over begins, Neser gets another turn. Should Cameron Green have bowled before lunch? What do you think?
Bethell turns the wrists and finds the gap for two. Neser bowls to the leg-side field, but Bethell crushes a punchy off drive.
And now, a drink and a rethink for the Australian team. What changes do you think they should make?
In the 9th over, Neser returns, and Duckett takes a single. Bethell edges a little, but Neser is bowling stump to stump.
As the 8th over starts, Boland is peppering away. He finds that extra bounce, and the bottom glove is in play. A short, wide ball, and Duckett misses out on a boundary.
Boland spears up at Duckett, and he works a single to the leg side. Bethell opens the face and pinches two wide of gully.
This pair is settling in, scoring easily. How long can Australia contain them?
Boland bangs in a bouncer that explodes off the pitch, sailing over Alex Carey's right hand for four byes.
Are bouncers becoming a strategic move? Or is it just luck?
In the 7th over, Michael Neser replaces Mitchell Starc. Neser gets through his overs quickly, and Bethell clips away through square leg for four.
As the 6th over begins, Boland returns to coming around the wicket. Bethell defends, but can he survive this spell?
He drops to the off side and pinches a single. It's the only run from the over.
In the 5th over, Mitchell Starc enters. He beats Duckett's outside edge, but luckily, Duckett played with a straight bat. Starc goes fuller, and Duckett works off his thigh for a single.
Bethell clips away for one more, but Starc's not having his best over. He tries a yorker, but Duckett keeps it out.
As the 4th over starts, Boland bowls to Bethell. Bethell paws at a short ball and misses the edge. Boland decides to come over the wicket, but Bethell leaves well.
And here's the key event you've all been waiting for...
Ben Stokes's injury is being assessed. The England captain left the field with a suspected groin strain, or as the statement says, a "right adductor complaint."
Will Stokes be able to bat? What impact will his injury have on the game? Share your thoughts!
In the 3rd over, Starc comes in for another look at Ben Duckett. He bowls short, and Duckett uppercuts over the slips for four. Starc needs to get it fuller.
Duckett pushes to cover for a single, and Bethell defends well.
As the 2nd over begins, it's Scott Boland's turn. A change of tack for Australia, as Michael Neser takes a step back. Boland seams into Duckett, and he chunks an inside edge into his body for a single.
Boland gets a look at Bethell, but the ball rises up into his back arm. "YeahNO," cries Bethell, wanting a single, but reconsidering.
An excellent start from Boland, but can he keep it up?
Stay tuned for more live updates! Who will come out on top in this Ashes battle?
