SYDNEY — The Ashes, cricket's most storied and fiercely contested rivalry, is a series that captures the imagination of fans across the globe. For England and Australia, the five-Test battle is about more than just a small terracotta urn; it's about national pride, history, and sporting legacy. As the 2023 series unfolded with dramatic twists and turns, one question became paramount for fans eagerly following every ball: When is the fifth Ashes Test?
The final act of the 2023 Men's Ashes series was scheduled for the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The match was set to begin on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, and was scheduled to run for five days, concluding on Sunday, January 7, 2024, barring any weather interruptions or an early finish. This traditional New Year's Test in Sydney is a highlight of the Australian sporting summer, known for its vibrant atmosphere, the famous 'Hill' area, and often, gripping cricket.
The Stakes Heading into Sydney
The context for the fifth Test made its timing even more critical. Australia, as the holder of the Ashes, arrived in Sydney needing only a draw to retain the urn. England, under the aggressive leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, were fighting to level the series 2-2, which would represent a moral victory of sorts after a thrilling but ultimately unsuccessful campaign to win the series outright. The series narrative was already legendary:
- First Test (Edgbaston): A nail-biting two-wicket win for Australia set the tone.
- Second Test (Lord's): Australia won again, controversially, amid the Jonny Bairstow stumping incident.
- Third Test (Headingley): A stunning Stokes-inspired fightback kept England's hopes alive.
- Fourth Test (Old Trafford): England dominated, but relentless rain washed out most of the final two days, handing Australia the draw they needed to ensure they would retain the Ashes heading to Sydney.
This meant the Sydney Test, while no longer deciding the fate of the urn, was a battle for pride and a 2-2 series scoreline. As BBC Sport's cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew noted, "The Ashes may be staying with Australia, but this England team will be desperate to leave these shores with a share of the series. Sydney becomes a statement match for the future of 'Bazball'."
How to Follow the Fifth Test on the BBC
For UK audiences, the BBC remained the premier free-to-air destination for comprehensive coverage of the Ashes, even though live television rights for the series in Australia were held by Sky Sports. The BBC's multi-platform offering ensured fans didn't miss a moment of the action from the SCG, regardless of the unsociable hours due to the time difference.
Test Match Special: The Sound of Summer
The undisputed heart of BBC's cricket coverage is Test Match Special (TMS) on BBC Sounds and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. For the Sydney Test, the TMS team provided ball-by-ball commentary from the first morning session at 11:00 PM GMT (Wednesday night) through to the close of play in the early hours of the UK morning. The legendary commentary box, featuring voices like Agnew, Isa Guha, Phil Tufnell, and Jim Maxwell, offered not just analysis but the unique, comforting, and often humorous atmosphere that defines TMS. As regular contributor Daniel Norcross often says, "TMS isn't just a commentary service; it's a night-long companion for the cricket-obsessed, a shared experience that turns time zones into a communal vigil."
Digital Coverage and the BBC Sport Website
The BBC Sport website and app served as the digital hub for fans. Their coverage included:
- Live Text Commentary: A minute-by-minute written log of the action, featuring expert analysis, fan interaction, and key stats, perfect for following at work or where audio isn't feasible.
- In-depth Match Reports: Detailed summaries published at the close of each day's play and at the conclusion of the Test.
- Video Highlights: Extended highlights packages were made available shortly after the day's play ended, allowing fans to catch up on all the key moments.
- Features and Analysis: Articles from chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt and the team, examining tactics, player form, and the broader narratives of the series.
The digital team also ran live blogs for major press conferences and provided all the essential information, including full scorecards, player stats, and the ever-important weather forecast for Sydney, which is famously fickle in January.
Television Highlights on BBC Two
For those preferring television, BBC Two broadcast a one-hour highlights package each day of the Test. Given the time difference, these programmes were typically aired in the late afternoon or early evening in the UK, providing a perfect, curated recap of the day's events. Presented by familiar faces from the TMS team, the highlights show included expert punditry, player interviews, and the key sessions that shaped the day.
The SCG: A Fitting Ashes Stage
The scheduling of the fifth Test at the SCG is a tradition steeped in history. The ground, with its distinctive Victorian pavilion and modern stands, has witnessed some of the Ashes' most memorable moments: from Michael Clarke's triple-century in 2012 to the dramatic final-day draws that have sealed series results. The 'Pink Test', in support of the McGrath Foundation for breast cancer care, often coincides with the Ashes, adding a layer of profound significance to the occasion and colour to the stands.
For the 2023/24 series, the SCG pitch was expected to offer some assistance to spin as the game progressed, potentially bringing England's veteran bowler Jack Leach into the equation. The conditions promised a fascinating tactical battle, as echoed by former England captain and BBC pundit Michael Vaughan, who stated before the match, "Sydney can be a curator's dream or nightmare. If it starts flat and then breaks up, we could have a classic five-day scrap on our hands."
Conclusion: More Than Just a Date
So, when was the fifth Ashes Test? It was more than just dates in a calendar. It was the culmination of a historic series, played out from Wednesday, January 3rd to Sunday, January 7th, 2024, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. While the destination of the urn was already decided, the match retained immense significance for the players, the teams' trajectories, and the fans. Through the comprehensive, expert, and accessible coverage provided by BBC Sport—spanning the timeless audio of Test Match Special, the immediacy of digital live text, and the clarity of television highlights—fans across the UK could immerse themselves in the final chapter of another unforgettable Ashes contest, regardless of the hour.
The BBC's role in bringing the atmosphere, drama, and nuance of the Sydney Test to the public, free of charge, continues to be a vital service for cricket lovers, ensuring the legacy and excitement of the Ashes are shared as widely as possible. As the final wicket fell or the last draw was secured, the 'Ask Me Anything' team had provided the answer, not just to when it was, but to exactly how you could be a part of it.