England Name XI for Boxing Day Test at MCG
England have announced their playing XI for the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, scheduled to begin on Boxing Day. The selection comes with the Ashes already decided, with Australia holding an unassailable lead in the five-match series, and amid growing focus on player conduct and welfare off the field.
England’s selected XI
The England team for the Melbourne Test will be led by Ben Stokes and includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Jacob Bethell. The team management has made limited changes as it looks to balance continuity with the need to respond to on-field struggles earlier in the series.
Series situation and pressure
England enter the Boxing Day Test under pressure after losing the opening three matches of the series. With the Ashes already retained by Australia, the focus for England has shifted to restoring pride and ending a long run of poor results in Australia. Senior players have faced scrutiny over tactics and consistency, while younger players are being given opportunities to gain experience in challenging conditions.
Off-field scrutiny and welfare focus
The lead-up to the Test has also seen attention on England’s off-field environment after social media footage involving batter Ben Duckett circulated during the team’s mid-series break. England team management has stressed that player welfare remains a priority, while also reiterating expectations around professionalism and conduct during overseas tours.
Looking ahead
The Boxing Day Test is seen as an opportunity for England to reset and show resilience despite the series outcome. Australia, meanwhile, will aim to maintain momentum and push for a dominant finish to the Ashes on home soil.
