Ashes, Boxing Day Test: Probable XI, pitch report, weather forecast and more
Hosts Australia will head into the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with momentum firmly on their side, having already sealed the series with a commanding 3–0 lead.
Steve Smith on Thursday confirmed that the hosts will field an all-pace bowling attack for the Boxing Day Test, influenced by the “quite furry” nature of the MCG surface. The selection call comes amid notable changes to the XI, with Josh Inglis left out in favor of Usman Khawaja. Australia will be without key figures Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon due to injury, but the conditions and recent form suggest the hosts remain well placed to continue their dominance against England.
Meanwhile, Fast bowler Jhye Richardson has earned a recall after impressing in domestic cricket, marking his return to the longest format for the first time since 2021 following shoulder surgery.
On the other hand, visitors, England will compete for pride in the final two Ashes Tests after losing the first three matches, which confirmed Australia’s retention of the urn. The team announced two changes to their playing XI. Gus Atkinson replaces the injured Jofra Archer, who has been ruled out of the tour with a left side strain, while Jacob Bethell comes in for Ollie Pope at No. 3.
Probable XIs
Australia
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
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
Pitch report and weather forecast
The Melbourne Cricket Ground surface for the 2025 Boxing Day Test is expected to be well-prepared and evenly balanced, reflecting the significant improvements the venue has shown in recent years. Early on, the pitch is likely to carry a slight green cover with some retained moisture. With cooler-than-usual weather forecast and temperatures reaching only around 17°C, bowlers should find plenty of assistance through swing and seam during the opening two sessions. As has often been the case at the MCG, the wicket is expected to settle across Days 2 and 3, becoming far more batter-friendly. Once the early dampness disappears, it should offer ideal conditions for confident stroke play, especially for batters who spend time at the crease.
When and where to watch
Indian viewers can watch the Australia vs England fourth Ashes Test live on the Star Sports Network, with coverage beginning from 5:30 AM IST. Fans can also stream the match online via the Disney+ Hotstar app.
Smith’s take on the pitch
Australian skipper Steve Smith offered his insights ahead of the Boxing Day Test.
"We're going to be playing four quicks and no spinner. (The pitch) has 10 millimetres of grass, quite furry, quite green," he was quoted saying.
"I dare say it's going to offer quite a bit, particularly if (day one) is similar conditions to today, quite cold and overcast so I dare say there's going to be quite a bit of movement.
"You just got to play what surface you're presented with," he added.
"This one looks like it's going to offer a fair bit of assistance for the seam bowlers and the weather throughout the week looks conducive for that too."
Excitement builds as cricket fans hope for yet another high-octane Boxing Day clash between Australia and England, despite the lopsided nature of the Ashes series so far. (With inputs from Agencies)