The Ashes 2025-26 intensifies with the fourth Test between Australia and England It was set for December 26 at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, where England trailed 3-0 after defeats in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. captain Ben Stokes‘The side faces a must-win scenario to avoid a whiteout, with the MCG expected to host a record crowd at the ground curator Matt Page ready to dominate balanced contests like last year’s thriller. Two major changes indicate Britain’s desperation: explosive acceleration Jofra ArcherThe performer, who took nine wickets in this series, was ruled out of the tour due to a strain in his left side while struggling in Adelaide. Ollie Pope falls after amassing just 125 runs at 20.83 in six overs.
Ashes 2025-26: Ollie Pope and Jofra Archer ruled out of Boxing Day Test playing XI
England’s revamped XI omits Pope for rising star Jacob BethellDespite his limited-overs first-class hundreds, he is third for his fifth Test cap and brings the white-ball fest after being captained in T20Is. Surrey sailor Gus Atkinson returns to the partner Brydon Carse Up, replacing Archer after missing Adelaide, with Will Jacks Regarded as a spin-bowling all-rounder Shoaib Bashir.
Stokes praised Archer.exceptional” influenced and supported the new-look attack, emphasizing resilience in off-field noise. Ben DuckettThe ECB is investigating a viral video. Bethell’s inclusion carries weight, with his recent Lions form and T20 prowess looking to stabilize the top-order against Australia’s likely changes. Steve Smith the captain was wounded Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. Atkinson, fresh from a strong county haul, is fueling a pace that averages a competitive score on the MCG surface, where the pacers develop early before the batsmen dominate.
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Ashes 2025-26: High stakes at the iconic MCG venue
As Australia look to close the bowl quickly, England channel their Baseball aggression to spark a revival. Joe Root and Harry BrookeThe ‘sequence in the middle of the series’ shot collapses. The MCG’s globally televised Boxing Day spectacle promises fireworks, with Page’s pitch aiming for no draw like the thrillers of recent years. Stokes’ leadership is key as England test youngsters like Bethell against Australia’s dominance ahead of the Sydney final. The change highlights the tough challenges in a desperate bid to save pride Down Under.
England XI for Boxing Day Test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Caroshnry, Jeshnry
