The Fourth Ashes Test In Melbourne

The traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG is the most anticipated cricket match each year in world cricket and this year will be no exception. That’s because it is Ashes year, Australia against England, one of the most celebrated rivalries in sport. 

With the contest evenly poised at 1-1, both teams know that the fourth test will be crucial in deciding the destiny of the five game series. 

England go into the game following a humiliating defeat in Perth, where the Aussies bounced back after their own embarrassing set back in Adelaide in the second test. 

Many fans and experts from both sides had written off the Australians as a cricketing force and, if they are not quite eating a slice of humble pie just yet, it is now back on the menu.

Team wise, England will be hoping that spin bowler Graeme Swann gets back into the groove and proves himself as one of the world’s best after an underwhelming contribution at the WACA.

Captain Andrew Strauss has not ruled out making changes to the side and it has been suggested that batsman Ian Bell could move up to number 5 in the order. 

He has shown that he is in great form so far, and looks much more comfortable at the crease than Paul Collingwood who currently occupies that position. In fact Collingwood could find himself out of the team altogether if England decide to go with five bowlers.

Australia are not without problems. It remains to be seen whether Mitchell Johnson’s devastating bowling spell in Perth was a sign of things to come or just a freak showing.

Australia  hopes it is the former, but his performances over the last year or so hint at the latter. 

Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting is also a troubled man. Not only is his batting looking decidedly dodgy, he also badly damaged his finger in the 3rd test which won’t make things any easier.

If England do win, don’t be surprised if the Australia press and public haul their players over the coals. They hate losing Down Under, and losing to the Poms is the worst of all.

In this video former Australian test player Damien Fleming gives his guide to the MCG where the game will be played.