We preview the fourth Ashes Test set to get underway on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
With comfortable wins in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, Australia is gearing up to possibly repeat the series whitewashes they nailed in 2014 and 2017. Their form has been impressive, and they’re ready to dominate once again.
On the flip side, England faces a huge challenge – they need a complete makeover to stop their steep decline. The pressure is mounting, and their options for a comeback look quite limited.
Australia v England | 26 December – 30 December | Melbourne Cricket Ground
To Win Match
Australia 5/10 | Draw 7/2 | England 9/2
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Australia
The Aussies might field a slightly altered squad if Mitchell Starc and Tim Paine are out—Starc nursing an injury and Paine on family leave. If Paine is absent, the team could bring in Peter Handscomb or Peter Nevill as wicketkeeper, with Nevill being the more likely choice as Handscomb’s keeping skills are more limited. For Starc’s spot, Jackson Bird or Chadd Sayers might get the nod.
Captain Steven Smith continues to dazzle with his bat, earning comparisons (albeit a stretch) to the great Don Bradman thanks to his outstanding performances. The team will be keen to challenge Dawid Malan who has looked solid at the crease but can expect aggressive bowling tactics.
Historically, Australia has the upper hand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, losing just 3 of their last 20 Test matches there, two of those defeats against England – last in 2010.
England
England’s campaign has faced plenty of criticism, and they need to avoid internal conflicts that could hurt their chances. The spotlight is mainly on skipper Joe Root, who seems stretched thin by the pressures of captaincy, affecting his batting. Australia will be eager to exploit this weakness.
The English pace attack has struggled for consistency, with James Anderson managing reasonably, but Stuart Broad under scrutiny and possibly at risk of being dropped for the MCG match. Steven Finn has highlighted challenges with the county circuit affecting bowlers, and Malan has called for player protection against burnout.
England might try fresh additions like leg-spinner Mason Crane and recall batsman Gary Ballance. Having the express pace of Mark Wood is almost essential now.
Verdict: Australia 5/10
Even if Australia fields a less-than-full-strength XI, the challenges for England to claim a victory in this five-match series appear too great to overcome.
