The story of the fourth Test at the SCG was undoubtedly Usman Khawaja's stunning centuries in both innings.
Having found himself in and out of the Australian side for much of his career, it was just rewards for the popular "Ussy".
Now, however, he faces an even tougher test of his purple patch. With the fifth Ashes Test taking place in Hobart under lights, Australia's batsmen have been warned to expect plenty of swing.
This comes as pictures of the Blundstone Arena pitch show a green wicket in the lead up to Day 1. Coupled with predicted rain for the first days of the test, the conditions shape as very bowler-friendly.
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Following a practice session in the nets, Australia's batsmen are preparing for a lot of swing. On green net pitches, the ball found the edge time and time again in a potentially ominous sign of things to come.
Khawaja will open the batting with David Warner, facing the new pink ball. He hasn't played at the position since March 2020, leading to some friendly advice.
“Judging by last night’s net session I think everyone found the outside edge quite a lot,” Warner said on SEN.
“For some reason on natural cricket pitches, not drop-ins, they seam around corners. The drop-ins, the grass isn’t as lively as they are here.
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“You look at the Hobart pitch, very live, very green, it can be quite scary.”
With Australian Captain Pat Cummins already showing that he isn't afraid to bowl first on a green deck, the toss shapes as a crucial one.
Particularly with the likely inclusion of cult hero Scott Boland, who has recovered from a rib injury. That decision however, will be left as late as possible, with selectors likely to wait until the 11th hour.
Boland sustained the injury during a fall while bowling in Sydney. Due to the nature of it, his inclusion will come down to his ability to play through pain. His captain has full confidence in him.
“It’s just the pain. Hopefully, he can manage that. He’s played enough, he’ll be honest.” Cummins said in his press conference Thursday.
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With England expected to make up to five changes for the Ashes finale, the game becomes a crucial chance for those hoping to press their claims for the next series.
As their disastrous tour rolls on, England's poor management looks like it will cost them James Anderson. The ageing legend of swing bowling is struggling to recover in the short break between tests.
