AUS vs ENG 4th Ashes Test, What is a Boxing Day Test?, Everything You Need

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AUS vs ENG 4th Ashes Test, What is a Boxing Day Test?: Whenever the name 'Ashes' comes up in the world of cricket, the excitement reaches its peak. But when this match takes place on 'Boxing Day' at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), its charm doubles. Tomorrow, December 26, 2025, the fourth Test match of the series between Australia and England begins.

Australia has already retained the trophy with a 3-0 lead, but this Melbourne ground is going to witness new stories and tough decisions.

AUS vs ENG: Match Details

Details	Information
Date	December 26, 2025
Venue	Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Time (IST)	5:00 AM
Series Status	Australia leads 3-0

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What is a 'Boxing Day Test'?

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People often get confused by the name, wondering if it's related to boxing? No!

• Significance of the date: Every year, the day after Christmas (December 25), i.e., December 26, is called 'Boxing Day'.
• History: In olden times, churches and wealthy people used to donate 'boxes' of gifts to the poor on this day, which is how it got its name, Boxing Day.
• Tradition: In Australia, since 1980, it has become a tradition that a Test match will start every year on December 26 at Melbourne (MCG).

Australia to play without a spinner

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The biggest news of this match is related to Australia's playing XI. Considering the Melbourne pitch, the Australian team management has taken a bold decision to field an all-pace attack.

Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon is out due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Adelaide Test. Todd Murphy was included in the squad as his replacement, but given the grass on the pitch, he is likely to be left out of the playing XI. Captain Steve Smith believes that the MCG pitch will be more helpful to seam bowlers this time.

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Major Changes and Challenges for Both Teams

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Regular captain Pat Cummins and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis are not part of this match. Steve Smith will be leading the team. On the other hand, Jofra Archer's absence is a big blow for England.

Teams for the Ashes

Australia (Probable 12 players):

1. Travis Head, 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith (captain), 5. Usman Khawaja, 6. Alex Carey, 7. Cameron Green, 8. Michael Neser, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Jhye Richardson, 11. Brendan Doggett, 12. Scott Boland.

England's Confirmed 11 for the 4th Ashes Test

1. Zak Crawley, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Jacob Bethell, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes (captain), 7. Jamie Smith, 8. Will Jacks, 9. Gus Atkinson, 10. Brydon Carse, 11. Josh Tongue.

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