Overview:
All things considered, both sides will be up for it on a surface that will help batters and assist pace, especially the new ball.
The Australian men’s cricket team is gearing up for a thrilling encounter against England in the 4th Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Kicking off on December 26, this Test marks the fourth clash in a gripping five-Test series.
Historically, the MCG has seen a total of 117 Test matches, with Australia emerging victorious in 68 of them, while suffering 32 defeats and witnessing 17 drawn matches. England’s record here is also noteworthy: they have played 57 Tests, winning 20, losing 29, and drawing 8.
In the ongoing World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, both teams have participated in one series each. Australia decisively beat the West Indies 3-0 in an away series and currently lead 3-0 against England. With a perfect 100% PCT from six matches, the Australian team is soaring high. In contrast, England is still seeking a breakthrough after drawing 2-2 against India at home; they find themselves trailing 0-3 in this crucial series.
What is the Context of the AUS vs ENG Match?
As the 4th Test approaches, England has announced their playing XI on December 24. Gus Atkinson joins the squad, replacing the injured Jofra Archer. Will Jacks retains his place, while Ollie Pope has been benched in favor of Jacob Bethel.
On the Australian front, the return of batsman Steve Smith adds a significant boost after his absence in the previous Test at Adelaide due to illness. However, captain Pat Cummins is ruled out for the series along with spinner Nathan Lyon, posing significant challenges for the home team.
Across the historic rivalry, Australia and England have faced off in 364 Test matches, with Australia clinching 155 wins compared to England’s 112. In Australia specifically, the two teams have played 188 Tests, leading to 102 wins for Australia, 57 for England, and 29 draws.
The 4th Test is set to commence at 5:00 am IST on December 26 in Melbourne.
Australia – Probable Playing XI
Travis Head: A multi-format player, Head holds the potential to be a game-changer, boasting 4,342 runs in Tests at an average of 42.99. His scores of 10 and 170 in the previous Test underline his capability.
Jake Weatherald: After a shaky start in his debut, Weatherald shined in the second Test with a crucial fifty but struggled again in Adelaide with scores of 18 and 1. He will be keen to find consistency.
Marnus Labuschagne: After a comeback in the series against England in Perth, Labuschagne must step up again after a modest performance in Adelaide, where he scored 19 and 13.
Steve Smith (c): Having led Australia brilliantly before missing the third Test, Smith’s return is a significant morale booster. His record at the MCG speaks volumes about his capabilities.
Usman Khawaja: The left-hander has been instrumental in the middle order, scoring 82 and 40 in Adelaide, showcasing his reliability.
Alex Carey (wk): Carey’s aggressive batting style makes him a key asset to the side, with vital runs already added in this series.
Cameron Green: Likely to retain his position, Green is an all-rounder who will be keen to assert himself with both bat and ball.
Mitchell Starc: Leading the bowling attack, Starc’s prowess has been evident in the Ashes series, and expectations are high for continued dominance.
Jhye Richardson: A promising bowler, Richardson has yet to play Test cricket but could be a valuable asset in an all-pace attack.
Scott Boland: Boland has shown impressive form in this series, providing support to Starc.
Michael Neser: After a successful outing in his last Test with 6 wickets, Neser will aim to reinstate his position in the team.
Player to watch (Steve Smith): Australia will rely heavily on Smith to bring his A game in this crucial Test.
England – Probable Playing XI
Ben Duckett: Duckett’s aggressive style will be pivotal at the top of the order. Following inconsistent scores, he will aim to make a mark in this Test.
Zak Crawley: Partnering with Duckett, Crawley needs to build on his recent performances and provide a solid foundation.
Jacob Bethel: Making his mark by stepping in for Ollie Pope, Bethel is expected to contribute effectively.
Joe Root: As a seasoned player, Root’s experience is crucial. He needs to convert his potential into impactful innings.
Harry Brook: Brook must balance aggression with caution, looking to stabilize his performance after erratic scores in earlier matches.
Ben Stokes (c): A natural leader and all-rounder, Stokes’s performance will be closely watched in crucial moments.
Jamie Smith (wk): Smith’s power-hitting ability can change the game dynamics, and he’ll be looking to contribute significant runs.
Will Jacks: With significant First-Class experience, Jacks is expected to deliver as both a batsman and a bowler in this match.
Brydon Carse: An emerging talent, Carse has shown promise with both bat and ball, making him a valuable player for England.
Gus Atkinson: In place of Archer, Atkinson is looking to prove himself after performances that didn’t meet expectations in prior Tests.
Josh Tongue: Returning for the Adelaide Test, Tongue has shown potential, taking 5 wickets and supporting the team confidently.
Player to watch (Joe Root): Expect England to lean heavily on Root’s ability to score runs in high-pressure situations.
Top Batters for Dream11
For creating a winning Dream11 team, consider selecting Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Harry Brook as top picks, alongside Travis Head and Ben Duckett. Jamie Smith stands out as a unique pick, promising quick runs and creating key partnerships.
Best All-Rounders to Boost Points
Among the all-rounders, Ben Stokes and Cameron Green are prime choices to bring in valuable points, given their skills and past performances.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
As the pitch may favor pace, select quick bowlers for your Dream11 lineup. Mitchell Starc, Josh Tongue, and Michael Neser are solid choices, while spinner Todd Murphy may also prove to be effective.
Captain and Vice-captain Picks
Choosing Travis Head as captain and Harry Brook as vice-captain seems wise. Alternatively, Starc could serve as captain, with Crawley providing solid vice-captaincy support.
Pitch Report & Venue Conditions
The MCG pitch is historically known for facilitating balanced contests. Matt Page, the curator, aims to mirror conditions from a previous Test between Australia and India, promising an exciting contest potentially extending to Day 5. With 7 or 8 mm of grass reported, the pitch is expected to play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.
Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?
With both teams coming ready to compete, the pitch should assist batters while providing pace bowlers a chance to shine, particularly with the new ball. Despite the evenly matched conditions, Australia may have the slight edge, particularly due to Mitchell Starc’s electric performances in the earlier Tests, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
FAQs About AUS vs ENG Playing 11
Who are the key players in the AUS vs ENG clash?
For Australia, Steve Smith is crucial due to his impactful home record in Tests. Meanwhile, England will be looking to Joe Root to leverage his exceptional run-scoring ability.