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The 2025/26 Ashes have been retained by Australia in record-breaking fashion, but the Boxing Day Test at the MCG remains the crown jewel of the cricket calendar. While the urn is staying in Australia after a dominant 3-0 start, pride, World Test Championship points, and individual careers are very much on the line as 90,000+ fans descend on Melbourne.
Australia enter the MCG on a high after clinical victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. The series was sealed in just 11 days of play—the fastest since 2002/03. England, meanwhile, are in damage-control mode. After failing to pass 300 consistently and struggling to contain a rampant Australian middle order, Ben Stokes‘ side faces the daunting task of avoiding a 5-0 whitewash.
Team combinations
Steve Smith returns to lead the side as Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the remainder of the series to manage a back issue. Legendary spinner Nathan Lyon is out with a hamstring injury, opening the door for Todd Murphy. When it comes to England, 21-year-old Jacob Bethell has been called up to debut at No. 3, replacing Ollie Pope, who was dropped after a string of low scores. Their best performer of the tour, Jofra Archer, is out with a side strain. Gus Atkinson returns to the side to provide the pace threat. Stokes and Joe Root remain the heart of the team, but they need support from the likes of Zak Crawley and Harry Brook to post a competitive total.
Boxing Day Test Pitch Report
The MCG pitch for the 2025 Boxing Day Test is expected to be a high-quality, balanced surface that continues the venue’s recent trend of being one of Australia’s most improved cricket wickets. Expect a “green tinge” and moisture on Day 1. With an unseasonably cool forecast (topping at 17°C), the ball is expected to swing and seam significantly in the first two sessions. Traditionally, the MCG pitch flattens out during Days 2 and 3. Once the initial moisture evaporates, it becomes an excellent surface for stroke play, favoring set batters.
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Test stats and records at Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Total Matches: 119
- Matches won batting first: 58
- Matches won bowling first: 43
- Average 1st innings Score: 307
- Average 2nd innings Score: 314
- Average 3rd innings Score: 251
- Average 4th innings Score: 171
- Highest total recorded: 624/8 (142 Ovs) By Australia vs Pakistan
- Lowest total recorded: 36/10 (23.2 Ovs) By South Africa vs Australia
- Highest score chased: 332/7 (159.5 Ovs) By England vs Australia
- Lowest score defended: 83/10 (48.4 Ovs) By Australia vs India
