The 2025/26 Ash kept by Australiain a record-breaking fashion, however Boxing Day Test It remains the crown jewel of the cricket calendar at the MCG. With the bowl remaining in Australia after a dominant 3-0 start, pride, World Test Championship points and individual careers are all at stake as 90,000+ fans descend on Melbourne.
Australia enter the MCG on a high after clinical wins in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. The streak was sealed in just 11 days – the fastest since 2002/03. Englandmeanwhile, they are in damage control mode. After failing to cross 300 in a row and struggling to maintain Australia’s sprawling middle order, Ben Stokes‘ side face the tough task of avoiding a 5-0 rout.
Team formations
Steve Smith returns to lead the side Pat Cummins It was removed from the rest of the series to handle the back issue. A legendary spinner Nathan Lyon The knee that opened the door for him was injured Todd Murphy. As for England, at the age of 21 Jacob Bethell He was called to make his debut at No. 3 Ollie Popedropped after a series of low scores. Best performer of the tour, Jofra Archercomes out with side voltage. Gus Atkinson returns to the side to provide a pace threat. Stokes et al Joe Root They remain the heart of the team, but some need support Zach Crawley and Harry Brooke to publish a competitive total.
Boxing Day Test Pitch Report
For the 2025 Boxing Day Test, the MCG pitch is expected to be a high-quality, balanced surface, continuing its recent trend of being one of Australia’s most improved cricket wickets. Expect a “green tint” and humidity on Day 1. With uncool weather forecast (at 17°C), the ball is expected to swing and seam significantly in the first two sessions. Traditionally, the MCG pitch flattens on days 2 and 3. After the initial moisture evaporates, it becomes a great surface for the stroke game and favors stacked batters.
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Test statistics and records at Melbourne Cricket Ground
- General Eligibility: 119
- Matches won in the first innings: 58
- Matches won by bowling first: 43
- Average 1st Innings Score: 307
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 314
- Average 3rd Innings Score: 251
- Average 4th Innings Score: 171
- Recorded the highest total: 624/8 (142 Overs) Australia vs Pakistan
- The lowest total was recorded: 36/10 (23.2 Overs) South Africa vs Australia
- Highest Score Pursued: 332/7 (159.5 Ovs) England v Australia
- The lowest score was defended: 83/10 (48.4 Ovs) Australia vs India
