England have been forced into a change for the decisive final Ashes Test in Sydney, with fast bowler Matthew Potts set to make his series debut. The move comes after confirmation that Gus Atkinson has been ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the dramatic victory in Melbourne.
Atkinson’s scans have ended his tour, adding his name to a growing list of sidelined English seamers that already includes Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. This leaves Potts, the last remaining specialist paceman from the original touring party yet to feature, as the logical replacement.
Provided fellow bowlers Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue prove their fitness during the week-long break, Potts for Atkinson is anticipated to be the sole alteration to the winning side. The team is expected to retain Will Jacks as the spin-bowling all-rounder, valuing the batting depth he provides despite the pitch in Melbourne offering no assistance to slow bowlers.
All eyes are now on the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch, which is under significant scrutiny. Following two financially damaging short Tests in Perth and Melbourne, there is considerable pressure on the venue to produce a surface that facilitates a longer contest. The last Test played at the SCG, between Australia and India, concluded inside three days.
Cricket Australia’s chief executive expressed confidence that Sydney would deliver. “I’m hopeful and confident Sydney will give us a good wicket,” he stated, emphasising the desire for a fitting finale to a memorable series.
For Potts, a recall would mark his 11th Test appearance and his first in a year, having last played against New Zealand in December 2024. The 27-year-old, who has 36 Test wickets to his name, earned his place in the squad following the retirement of Chris Woakes.
Atkinson departs the tour with six wickets from his maiden Ashes campaign, a return that reflected a challenging introduction to the historic rivalry.