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Xaviour Raymond
Australia and England return to the MCG for the iconic Boxing Day Test, but the context has shifted sharply ahead of the fourth Ashes clash. Australia already have the urn secured after a dominant 3-0 series lead, while England are searching for pride after another tough defeat in Adelaide.
Selection will be the main talking point on both sides. Australia are set for significant changes after injuries to Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. Steve Smith is set to return and captain, while selectors must also decide how hard to push for a clean sweep versus managing workloads.
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England faces tougher questions. Bazball has stalled, and the tourists continue to pay for poor execution with bat and ball. Changes are possible across the bowling attack and middle order as Ben Stokes looks to inject energy into a side that has faded badly late in matches. The MCG offers one last chance to restore some credibility before the series slips toward a potential whitewash.
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Australia are set to freshen up their XI for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG after clinching the Ashes with a 3-0 lead. Pat Cummins is expected to sit out, while Nathan Lyon will miss the fourth Test after suffering a hamstring injury in Adelaide.
Steve Smith is set to return from vertigo and take over the captaincy, while selectors weigh up rotation across the pace attack and the rare prospect of picking a frontline spinner at home in Lyon’s absence.
The spin vacancy opens the door for Todd Murphy or Corey Rocchiccioli, while Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Jhye Richardson remain in contention to support Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. Australia must also decide whether to reshuffle the top order or make way for Smith’s return.
Predicted Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Todd Murphy, Jhye Richardson.
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England head to Melbourne under pressure after the series slipped away before Christmas. Changes are expected as Ben Stokes searches for a spark, with the bowling attack likely to be refreshed and further scrutiny on the middle order after repeated collapses late in matches.
Josh Tongue and Shoaib Bashir remain in the mix, while England’s top six are running out of chances to justify their spots after another disappointing showing in Adelaide.
Predicted England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
Xaviour Raymond leads The Sporting News’ betting content in India and is a content writer with a Master’s in Mass Communication and over two years of experience working with various firms. A passionate sports enthusiast, he focuses on football and cricket content tailored for Indian fans with a sharp eye on detail and opportunities for betting value.
