Fifth Ashes Test shatters 79-year-old SCG attendance record
The fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has rewritten history by shattering a 79-year-old attendance record. The thrilling five-day contest attracted a staggering 211,032 spectators, surpassing the previous record of 195,253 set during the 1946-47 Ashes series at the same iconic venue. The record-breaking turnout witnessed Australia complete a dominant 4-1 series victory over England in front of passionate home crowds.
Historic attendance figures at the SCG
While the 1946-47 SCG Test of the Ashes series witnessed a total of 195,253 people attending the game over the course of five days, the fifth match of the 2025-26 Ashes, held at the same venue, recorded a crowd of 211,032 by the conclusion on Thursday. The milestone represents a significant moment in Australian cricket history and underscores the enduring appeal of the Ashes rivalry.
Notably, the Australians had won the five-game series 3-0 during England’s Ashes tour in 1946-47, making the latest triumph even sweeter for the home fans who packed the SCG to capacity throughout the Test match.
Australia clinches series with dominant victory
In the recently concluded Ashes series, Australia completed a commanding series victory with a five-wicket win over England in the fifth Test at the SCG, successfully chasing a target of 160 on a challenging final-day pitch.
England began the day positively after resuming on 302/8, with Matthew Potts striking a boundary off the first ball and Jacob Bethell continuing his impressive innings to reach 150. The morning session featured several DRS moments, including a successful review by Bethell, before Mitchell Starc wrapped up the innings by dismissing Bethell and Josh Tongue to finish the series with an outstanding 31 wickets.
Tense chase seals Australian triumph
Australia’s chase began briskly, led by Travis Head, as a 62-run opening stand laid a strong platform. England, however, remained competitive, creating drama through tight bowling, wasted reviews, and near misses, including a contentious caught-behind decision.
Josh Tongue removed both openers before lunch, and after the break, England struck again as Will Jacks bowled Steve Smith and Australia suffered a cluster of quick wickets, raising hopes of an England comeback.
Despite late jitters, Cameron Green and Alex Carey steadied the innings with a crucial 40-run partnership. Carey’s boundary in the 32nd over sealed the win, completing Australia’s remarkable series triumph as Usman Khawaja capped off his farewell Test with a memorable victory.
A fitting finale to a memorable series
The record-breaking attendance figures at the SCG serve as a testament to the passion and enthusiasm of Australian cricket fans for the oldest rivalry in the sport. The atmosphere throughout the five days was electric, with sell-out crowds creating an intimidating cauldron for the visiting England team.
The 2025-26 Ashes will be remembered not only for Australia’s dominant 4-1 series victory but also for the historic crowds that flocked to witness the action, proving that the Ashes remains cricket’s premier contest nearly 150 years after the first Test between these two nations.