SCG ground profile

After the enormity of the MCG, the intimacy of the SCG as Australia and England move to Sydney for the fifth and final Test in the Ashes series, which begins on Tuesday.

There is something special about the old SCG, with the fans close to the pitch making it an atmosphere almost unique among the Australian Test venues these days.

In recent history, the pitch has become known as something of a spinner's paradise, which means that Warne will pose a massive threat yet again. Monty Panesar should also enjoy it though, and as the match wears on, uneven bounce also becomes a factor.

There have been just 17 draws in the 94 Tests at the SCG, with Australia winning 50 and losing 27 times.

The side batting first has gone on to win 41 times, with 36 wins going to the side batting second, so there is not much to choose from. In recent times, Australia have been dominant, so there is probably not much to be read into the toss, except for the fact that you probably don't want to bat last on a turning pitch.

The highest score made to win a Test in Sydney is just 288, achieved by Australia at the start of this year, and while there have been several scores over 300 by a team batting last, none of them have ended in victory.

If anything, batting appears to be easier for the side batting second, at least in the first innings. In the past 20 Tests, the average score by a batsman in the first innings of the match is 35.5, while in the second it's 39.2, very high.

For the batsmen in the team batting third, it's down to 31.8 and batting last is slightly tougher, with the average 30.7.

P W1 W2 T D %R Ave Ave1 Ave2 Ave3 Ave4 runs/6 balls
20 7 7 0 6 70% 35.04 35.5 39.2 31.8 30.7 3.05