- England under pressure after mid-tour controversy
- Cummins ruled out; Australia still confident despite key absences
- Khawaja retains place as Australia continue to evolve
- England ring the changes as Pope is dropped and Bethell recalled
The Ashes may already be gone, but the story of this tour is far from finished. England arrive in Melbourne desperately searching for stability, and a spark, after a turbulent build-up to the Boxing Day Test marked by off-field scrutiny and on-field struggles. Memories of the Adelaide fightback offer faint hope, but a 3-0 deficit leaves them with no room to fall further.
Captain Ben Stokes struck an emotional tone on Christmas Eve, insisting belief remains inside the dressing room. Yet the reality is stark. England have now lost four Tests on the bounce and face an Australian outfit whose ambition goes beyond merely retaining the urn, they want the clean sweep, the World Test Championship (WTC) points, and the psychological dominance that comes with a 5-0 scoreline.
Australia will be without Pat Cummins for the rest of the series as his back injury is carefully managed, but the world’s No.1 side have shown remarkable adaptability throughout. With Nathan Lyon also out, the hosts are set to unleash an all-pace attack again, leaning on depth options such as Michael Neser, Scott Boland and potentially Jhye Richardson. Usman Khawaja, impressive in Adelaide, keeps his middle-order role, while Cameron Green slides down to No. 7 as selectors sharpen their batting balance.
England, meanwhile, have finally moved on from Ollie Pope after a difficult series, turning to 21-year-old Jacob Bethell at No. 3. Jofra Archer’s side strain opens the door for Gus Atkinson’s return, while Ben Duckett survives selection pressure despite the recent controversy. Once again there is no frontline spinner, with Will Jacks carrying the all-round spin responsibility.
Conditions, as ever, will shape the narrative. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) surface is expected to offer early seam movement under 10mm of live grass before flattening out, meaning first-innings application will be priceless. Cool Boxing Day weather should give way to warmer later-match conditions, with only light rain threats at either end of the Test.
Australia’s internal competition continues to fuel them, and individuals still chase history. Harry Brook is closing in on 3000 Test runs while Alex Carey is enjoying one of the most prolific wicketkeeper-batting years since Adam Gilchrist. Travis Head’s ultra-aggressive approach has redefined the tone at the top, and England’s bowlers have yet to find an answer.
For England, this Test is about pride, control, and halting the slide. For Australia, it is the chance to push the tourists to the brink, and take one more confident step toward a whitewash that would echo the dominance of 2006-07 and 2013-14.
On one of cricket’s grandest stages, the Boxing Day script is set. Now it’s over to the players.
Australia squad for 4th Test: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (WK), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson
England XI for 4th Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
Ashes schedule:
- First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
- Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
- Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)
- Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
- Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
