England's hopes of salvaging pride in the final Ashes Test were dealt a severe blow as captain Ben Stokes was forced from the field with a groin injury on the fourth morning in Sydney.
Stokes Limps Off Amid England's Injury Crisis
The all-rounder, who has battled persistent fitness issues, opened the bowling on Wednesday 7th January 2026 but managed just four balls of his second over before grimacing and leaving the field. A team spokesperson later confirmed the 34-year-old was being assessed for a right adductor complaint.
His departure marked another low in a torrid tour for England's pace attack, with Stokes becoming the fourth seamer to break down after Mark Wood (knee), Jofra Archer (side), and Gus Atkinson (hamstring).
Australia Build Imposing Lead Despite Smith Wicket
Earlier, Australia were finally bowled out for 567, adding 59 to their overnight score. Josh Tongue was the pick of the bowlers, dismissing Steve Smith for 138 and Mitchell Starc to finish with his 15th wicket of the series at an average of 21.
This gave the hosts a formidable first-innings lead of 183 runs. The tourists' response began disastrously when Mitchell Starc trapped Zak Crawley lbw with the fourth ball of the innings, continuing a miserable series for the opening pair.
Duckett and Bethell Lead Fragile Fightback
Facing the prospect of an innings defeat, Ben Duckett (40 not out) and debutant Jacob Bethell (28 not out) survived a stern examination on a deteriorating SCG pitch to reach 80 for one at lunch.
The pair showed intent, hitting 10 boundaries, but enjoyed several moments of fortune. Bethell edged two of his first 12 balls short of the slips and was struck on the helmet by a sharp bouncer, while Duckett was dropped on 38 when Cameron Green intercepted a catch meant for Steve Smith.
Their unbroken stand offered England a glimmer of hope, but the loss of their inspirational captain cast a long shadow over their efforts to end a draining series on a positive note.
