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The most iconic fixture in the cricket calendar returns as Australia hosts England for the 4th Ashes Test at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground. With the hosts already securing an unassailable 3-0 lead to retain the urn, the focus shifts to a potential whitewash versus England’s quest for redemption on Australian soil.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Australia vs England, 4th Test (The Ashes)
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
- Start Time: 10:30 AM Local | 11:30 PM GMT (Dec 25)
- Current Standing: Australia leads the series 3-0.
Team News & Strategy
Australia: The All-Pace Gamble
Interim captain Steve Smith has confirmed a bold tactical shift for the Boxing Day clash. In a rare move at the MCG, the Australians are set to field a four-pronged seam attack, opting to go without a specialist spinner.
- The Pace Battery: With Pat Cummins rested and Nathan Lyon sidelined by a hamstring injury, the hosts have named a 12-man squad featuring Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and the returning Jhye Richardson.
- The Batting Order: Usman Khawaja slides down to No. 5 to accommodate Smith’s return, while Travis Head and Jake Weatherald continue their duties at the top of the order.
England: Searching for a Spark
England enters the MCG with significant changes as they look to salvage pride.
- Debuts & Recalls: Young talent Jacob Bethell is set to make a high-pressure entry at No. 3, replacing Ollie Pope.
- Bowling Adjustments: Gus Atkinson returns to the XI, stepping in for Jofra Archer, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the series with a side strain.
Confirmed England XI
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Jacob Bethell
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Will Jacks
- Gus Atkinson
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
Australia’s 12-Man Squad
- Steve Smith (c)
- Travis Head
- Jake Weatherald
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Usman Khawaja
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Cameron Green
- Mitchell Starc
- Scott Boland
- Michael Neser
- Jhye Richardson
- Brendan Doggett.
IMAGE CREDITS : CRICKET WORLD
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