Your guide to the SCG Test

The SCG stage is set for an historic 5-0 Commonwealth Bank Ashes series victory for Australia, but Michael Clarke’s men will have to overcome a wounded England side desperate to salvage pride and avoid a series whitewash.

The redeveloped SCG will be rocking with a new capacity of approximately 48,000 and a host of upgraded facilities for fans - more on that here.

Public tickets are sold out for days one, two and three, but there are still limited tickets available for day four here.

England captain Alastair Cook has confirmed he’s prepared to lead out a new-look side, with up to three debutantes expected to take the field. 

A calf injury has put Monty Panesar’s place in jeopardy with 23-year-old leg spinner Scott Borthwick a likely replacement. Gary Ballance, Boyd Rankin and Steven Finn are all rumoured to be pushing for a spot in the England XI, while Cook hinted that Jonny Bairstow will hold his place in the side at the expense of axed vice-captain Matt Prior. 

The Australians are sweating on the fitness of Ryan Harris and Shane Watson, but will also inspect the pitch on the morning of day one before naming their side. A surprisingly grassy deck greeted the players this week, with the usually spin-friendly SCG more closely resembling a seamers’ paradise.

While the pitch may be extra green, the rest of the SCG will be awash with pink on day three, when the cricket community comes together during the Pink Test to honour the memory of Jane McGrath, and raise money to support the McGrath Foundation.

And you could win half a million Qantas Frequent Flyer points by donating to the McGrath Foundation at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au during the Ashes Pink Test.

Fans should prepare for the odd spot of rain on the first few days of the Test with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting the chance of light showers in the morning and early afternoon on Friday, and isolated showers are also expected on Sunday. Top temperatures are set to hover between 25 and 27 degrees for the first four days. Check the latest forecast here.

Pink Test Coverage

Channel Nine’s coverage of the fourth Commonwealth Bank Ashes Test will begin at 9:30am AEDT, with the first ball set for 10:30am. Fans can listen to all the action on ABC Grandstand, the Fairfax Radio Network or online via our audio streaming page.

Get free match coverage via live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, radio, video highlights and the latest news on-the-go with Cricket Australia Live: The Official App. Don’t miss a ball and subscribe to watch live via your mobile, tablet or desktop.

Session times (in Sydney time): Morning session: 10.30am – 12.30pm. Lunch 12.30pm – 1.10pm. Afternoon session: 1.10pm – 3.10pm. Tea: 3.10pm – 3.30pm. Evening session: 3.30pm – 5.30pm.

Follow our Twitter and Facebook pages for the all the latest updates from the SCG. Stay right here on cricket.com.au for all your video highlights, news and an end-of-play wrap-up.

We'll be bringing you replays of every wicket, highlights of all the batting milestones, plus extended highlights of every session, as well as a wrap-up at the end of each day's play. 

We'll also be live streaming the morning net sessions and press conferences from each team after play, and senior writer Andrew Ramsey will analyse the events of the day.