AUS vs ENG Match Analysis
The cricketing world turns its eyes to the colossal Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the iconic Boxing Day Test, the 4th match of the 2025/26 Ashes series. With Australia currently leading 3-0 in the series, the momentum is firmly with the hosts as they look to secure the urn on home soil.
Australia enters this contest with the confidence of a team that knows how to win key moments. Under the leadership of Steven Smith, stepping in as captain despite Pat Cummins being in the squad, the side boasts a winning mentality forged through years of dominance.
England, led by the talismanic Ben Stokes, finds themselves in a do-or-die situation if they hope to take anything meaningful from this tour. Their “Bazball” philosophy of aggressive cricket has faced a stern reality check against the disciplined Australian unit.
Australia vs England Team Preview & Squads
Australia
Steven Smith takes the reins as captain, bringing his tactical astuteness and obsessive attention to detail to the forefront. As one of the modern greats, his leadership will focus on grinding the opposition down, a tactic that suits the long format perfectly.
AUS batting depth is formidable, even with some new faces in the mix like aggressive opener Jake Weatherald. Weatherald, listed as a key player, brings a counter-attacking flair to the top order, complemented by the solidity of Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja.
On the bowling front, the attack is spearheaded by the terrifying pace of Mitchell Starc, who was the Player of the Match in Brisbane with match figures of 8 wickets. Supported by the relentless accuracy of Scott Boland, a local MCG hero, and the all-round skills of Michael Neser, the attack covers all bases.
In the 2nd Test at Brisbane, Australia was imperious, winning by 8 wickets. They responded to England’s first innings of 334 with a mammoth 511, effectively batting the visitors out of the game. Mitchell Starc’s 6/75 in the first innings set the tone, and the chase of 65 runs in the fourth innings was a formality.
Australia Squads
Australia Squads
Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
England
Ben Stokes continues to lead an ENG side that refuses to take a backward step, regardless of the match situation. His captaincy style is proactive and often unconventional, constantly looking for wickets rather than containing runs.
ENG batting lineup is packed with talent but has been guilty of throwing wickets away at crucial junctures. Joe Root remains the linchpin, the class act who must bat long for England to compete, while younger aggressive players like Harry Brook need to balance aggression with game awareness.
The bowling attack sees Brydon Carse taking up a key role, offering high pace to trouble the Australian batters. However, the vulnerability to spin remains a concern, and the seamers will need to extract maximum movement from the Kookaburra ball while it’s new.
England’s last outing in Brisbane was a disappointment, as they failed to capitalize on a decent first-innings score of 334. Their second innings collapse to 241 left Australia with a tiny target, highlighting their inability to seize control when ahead.
England Squads
England Squads
Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Shoaib Bashir, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue
Match Details | |
Match | Australia vs England | Match Number 4th Test | The Ashes 2025 |
Date | 26/12/2025 (Friday) |
Time | BDT 5:30 AM / PKT 4:30 AM / INR 5:00 AM |
Format | Test |
Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
Recent performance | Australia – W W W W W England – W D L L L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) |
AUS vs ENG Outfield Report
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
The pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has improved significantly in recent years, offering a fair contest between bat and ball. Traditionally, the drop-in wicket offers some moisture and movement for the seamers on the first morning, making the first session critical.
Weather conditions in Melbourne for late December are typically warm, but the city’s notorious “four seasons in one day” can always play a part. The temperature is expected to be comfortable for cricket, and without the humidity of Brisbane, swing might be less pronounced after the new ball loses its shine.
Fielding at the MCG requires athleticism due to the sheer size of the playing area. Powerplay strategies don’t strictly apply in Tests, but the “new ball phase” is the equivalent; fielding captains will have aggressive slip cordons. Batters get value for shots, but running between the wickets is exhausting and crucial on this massive ground where threes are common.
Australia vs England Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
Australia holds the upper hand in the recent history of this rivalry, having won three of the last five Test matches against England. The current series sees Australia sitting comfortably with a 2-0 lead, having retained the Ashes in the previous 2023 series by drawing 2-2. England’s two wins in the last five games show they can compete, but consistency remains their nemesis against the Aussies.
AUS vs ENG Prediction
Event | Australia | England |
Toss Winner | Australia | – |
Player of the Match | Travis Head | – |
Top Run Scorer | Travis Head | Joe Root |
Top Wicket Taker | Jhye Richardson | Brydon Carse |
Most Sixes | Jake Weatherald | Ben Stokes |
1st Innings Predicted Score | 350+ | 1st Inn: 280+ |
Win Probability | 53% | 47% |
According to cricket analysts Australia have a 53% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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