England Faces Uphill Battle in Boxing Day Test Amid Ashes Whitewash Threat
The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is set against a grim backdrop for England, who trail 0-3 in the 2025-26 Ashes series. Australia, having extended their series lead with an 82-run win in Adelaide, are poised to complete a 5-0 whitewash. The Test promises a huge crowd, expected around 90,000, following the previous record attendance of 373,691 across five days at the MCG.
England may revamp their playing XI with Jacob Bethell, 22, likely to replace Ollie Pope. Bethell is seen as a potential match-winner despite limited first-class experience. Team director Rob Key expressed continued belief in coach Brendon McCullum but acknowledged that changes to the squad perhaps should have been made earlier, though he declined to specify which players might be affected.
Ben Stokes's marathon innings in Adelaide limited his bowling contribution, which may impact his readiness for the MCG fixture. Historically, England's Boxing Day Tests at the MCG have proved challenging, highlighted by a four-year-old encounter where debutant Scott Boland dismantled England before day three lunch. This match will see England fighting for more than pride, contesting World Test Championship points and potentially affecting the job security of players and staff as the Ashes series approaches its conclusion.
