AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025-26: Boxing Day Test pitch report, MCG stats and records

THE Ashes 2025/26 were retained by Australiahas in a record way, but the Boxing Day Test at the MCG remains the jewel of the cricket calendar. With the urn remaining in Australia after a dominant 3-0 start, pride, World Test Championship points and individual careers are on the line as more than 90,000 fans descend on Melbourne.

Australia enter the MCG on a high after clinical victories in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. The series was completed in just 11 playing days, the fastest since 2002/03. Englandas for them, are in damage control mode. After failing to get past 300 consistently and struggling to contain a rampant Australian middle order, Ben StokesThe team faces the daunting task of avoiding a 5-0 whitewash.

Team combinations

Steve Smith returns to lead the team as Patrick Cummins was left out of the rest of the series to run an old issue. Legendary spinner Nathan Lyon is out with a hamstring injury, opening the door to Todd Murphy. When it comes to England, 21 Jacob Bethell was called up to make his debut at No.3, replacing Ollie Popewhich was abandoned after a series of low scores. Their best performer of the tour, Jofra Archercame out with secondary tension. Gus Atkinson comes back to the side to provide the threat of pace. Stokes and Joe Racine remain the heart of the team, but they need the support of people like Zak Crawley And Harry Brook to display a competitive total.

Boxing Day Test Presentation Report

The MCG pitch for the 2025 Boxing Day Test is expected to be a high-quality, balanced surface that continues the venue’s recent trend of becoming one of Australia’s most improved cricket wickets. Expect a “green tint” and humidity on the first day. With an unusually cool forecast for the season (topping out at 17°C), the ball is expected to wobble and sew significantly over the first two sessions. Traditionally, the MCG pitch flattens out over Days 2 and 3. Once the initial moisture evaporates, it becomes an excellent surface for Stroke Play, favoring set hitters.

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Test statistics and records at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

• Total number of matches: 119
• Games won batting first:58
• Matches won bowling first:43
• Average score of the 1st rounds: 307
• Average score of the 2nd round: 314
• Average score of the 3rd rounds: 251
• Average score of the 4th rounds: 171
• Highest total recorded: 624/8 (142 Ovs) By Australia vs Pakistan
• Lowest total recorded: 36/10 (23.2 Ovs) By South Africa vs Australia
• Highest score pursued: 332/7 (159.5 Ovs) By England vs Australia
• Lowest score defended: 83/10 (48.4 Ovs) By Australia vs India

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