Cricket Australia has reportedly decided against reviving one of the most contentious celebrations in recent Ashes history for the final Test in Sydney next month. The governing body has shelved plans to redeploy the giant 'four-fingered salute' hands that caused a major backlash during the trophy presentation in 2018.
The Infamous 2018 Celebration
Following Australia's innings-and-123-run victory in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in January 2018, which sealed a 4-0 series win, a colossal prop depicting a hand with four fingers raised was displayed on the outfield. The gesture, intended to symbolise the emphatic scoreline, was positioned directly behind host and Channel Nine commentator Mark Taylor during the post-match ceremony.
The visual immediately drew fierce criticism from viewers and pundits alike, who branded it 'tasteless', 'gross', and an example of 'insulting triumphalism'. Veteran journalist Mike Carlton and ESPNcricinfo's Mel Farrell were among those who publicly condemned the lack of class. England's then vice-captain, James Anderson, who walked past the display, summed up the touring side's feelings by stating he hoped 'they are hurting as much as I am, watching Australia celebrate'.
No Repeat Despite Another Dominant Series
This decision comes even as Australia has once again comprehensively defeated England in the 2025/26 Ashes series, securing an unassailable lead after just 11 days of cricket. With the final Test at the SCG looming, a potential 5-0 whitewash is on the cards. The Australian team has already celebrated wildly, notably after clinching the series in the third Test in Adelaide, and marked their dominance with special shirts mocking England's 'Bazball' approach.
However, any notion of reprising the pointed hand gesture has been scrapped. The move has divided fans online. While some welcome the more restrained approach, others have questioned the reasoning, with one supporter asking: 'Please explain how it went too far?' Many have contrasted the reaction to the celebration with the aggressive behaviour directed at Australian players like Usman Khawaja and David Warner in the Lord's Long Room following the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow in 2023.
Pressure Mounts on England's Leadership
As Australia plans a more subdued presentation, England faces a period of intense scrutiny. The team and head coach Brendon McCullum are under extreme pressure back home. McCullum himself has admitted his future is uncertain, telling reporters after a defeat: 'I don't know. It's not really up to me, is it?... Sometimes you don't win, and then those decisions are up to other people.'
He defended the team's progress, stating they have developed an identity and are 'not the finished article', but conceded significant adjustments are needed. England's immediate focus will be on regrouping for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, aiming to salvage pride from a disastrous tour.
A Cricket Australia spokesman, commenting on the original 2018 incident, had previously tried to downplay the controversy, suggesting the dressing would have reflected the series result whoever won. That diplomatic stance appears to have been made permanent, with the provocative prop now consigned to Ashes folklore.
