The final Ashes Test between England and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed an amusing off-field moment involving England's head coach, Brendon McCullum, before persistent rain brought play to a halt on the opening day, Sunday, 4th January 2026.
McCullum's Crossword Conundrum Caught on Camera
During the 39th over of England's innings, with the score at a promising 211 for 3 thanks to batters Harry Brook and Joe Root at the crease, cameras panned to the England dressing room. They captured former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum engrossed in a crossword puzzle. However, the footage took a humorous turn when it became apparent that McCullum was not solving the clues but rather looking for the answers at the back of the booklet.
The incident, broadcast by 7Cricket, did not escape the sharp eyes and sharper wit of the commentary team. One commentator was heard laughing and remarking, "Hang on Baz, you gotta be careful on national TV, looking at the answers on the back of the (laughs). Come on Baz, you are better than that my friend. Caught red-handed, Baz." The light-hearted moment provided a brief distraction from the cricket.
Rain Halts England's Steady Progress
The crossword cheat-sheet saga preceded a more significant interruption. Shortly after, play was first suspended due to bad light, and then a steady downpour ensured that the players could not return to the field after the Tea break. This left the fifth and final Test of the series in a state of limbo on Day 1.
England, having already lost the Ashes urn after the first three Tests, will be frustrated by the weather's intervention. They had built a solid foundation, reaching 211/3, and would have been eager to press their advantage and build a formidable first-innings total at the SCG.
A Light Moment in a Tough Series
While the search for answers on the cricket field has been a constant theme for England throughout this Ashes campaign, McCullum's literal search for crossword answers provided a rare, humorous interlude. The moment humanised the intense pressure of a high-stakes Test match and showed the coach finding a casual way to pass time during a delay.
The incident, now widely shared on social media, adds another quirky chapter to McCullum's tenure as England's aggressive 'Bazball' architect. All eyes will now be on the Sydney skies, hoping for clearer weather to allow the on-field contest to resume and for England to continue their fight for a consolation victory in the series finale.
