Last Updated on 4 days by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Sydney weather forecast: Rain yet again in SCG Test | Rain forecast for the SCG Test for yet another year

Rain is forecast yet again for the SCG New Year’s Test, in what is now a regular occurrence.

After the doubt surrounding the Test due to Australia’s COVID-19 situation which is significantly impacting the BBL, there is additional doubt over how much cricket will be played in Sydney with the weather set to intervene.

Sydney weather forecast for SCG New Year’s Test

There is an 80% chance of rain on both days one and two. Approximately 5-10mm worth of rain is expected to fall on both days, which should see some interruptions.

Given the 5-10mm amount, this match should mirror last year’s SCG Test between Australia and India where just 55 overs were possible on day one after frustrating morning rain.

However, the positive news is that days three to five look much more promising. While there is a 60-70% chance of rain on all three final days, the expected rainfall is only 1-3mm on each day which should see plenty of action.

England’s batting under fire after horror show in Boxing Day Test

The question among fans will be how long Australia will need to clean up England once again. Apart from Joe Root and Dawid Malan, the tourists have been incredibly meek with the bat in this series, resulting in an Ashes surrender in under 12 days.

The Boxing Day Test itself was over before lunch on day three. Scott Boland and Australia ripped through England to retain the Ashes, as England’s wait for a Test win down under continues.

Interestingly, England’s last Test win in Australia was at this ground back in 2011. Their innings victory sealed that series 3-1, which incredibly makes up half of their total victories in Australia since 1990.

With overcast conditions forecast early in the Test and a greenish pitch expected, Joe Root will be hoping to win the toss and bowl to make full use of the conditions. One feels if England are required to bat first in such conditions, Australia may not need too long to make inroads even with some inclement weather around.

Australia confirm XI for SCG Test

Usman Khawaja is back in the Test side, while Scott Boland has kept his place in the team after a remarkable 6/7 in Melbourne.

“You need a disciplined stump-to-stump bowler (at the SCG) and that’s what Scotty brings,” said skipper Pat Cummins.

Josh Hazlewood is still recovering from a side injury, and Mitch Swepson will have to wait for his debut as the Sydney weather forecast won’t suit playing two spinners.

Australia playing XI: 1. Marcus Harris, 2. David Warner, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Usman Khawaja, 6. Cameron Green, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Scott Boland