Breaking: Australia opts for four pacers as Boxing Day Test looms on a green Melbourne pitch
Australia named a pace-heavy 12-man squad for the Boxing Day test in Melbourne,with captain Steve smith standing in for Pat Cummins. the selection indicates the hosts will not deploy a spin specialist in the XI, instead leaning on four seamers plus all-rounder Cameron Green.
Smith described the Melbourne surface as “quite furry, quite green,” describing a pitch with about 10 millimetres of grass.The weather and the surface are expected to offer early movement, influencing the pace-bowling-heavy plan.
In the squad, only pace bowlers are included, meaning off-spinner Todd Murphy is not featured in the 12-man group at this stage. The decision comes after Nathan Lyon suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in Adelaide, prompting a recall for Murphy to provide spin depth if needed.
Australia’s skipper returned to action after missing the third test due to illness. Usman Khawaja keeps his spot in Melbourne at the expense of Josh Inglis, and will bat at five, with Green dropping to seven in the batting order.
The Boxing Day clash follows a Melbourne Test in 2021 that finished inside three days, when England were dismissed for 185 and 68. this year, Australia lead the series 3-0 and are pushing to complete a 4-0 sweep, while England chase their first win in the country in an 18-match winless run state.
Smith told reporters on Christmas Day that the pitch is expected to offer assistance to pace bowlers and that conditions look similar to the day before-cold and overcast with notable movement anticipated from the surface.
With Cummins unavailable due to a back issue and Hazlewood absent for the entire series, Australia must decide which two of the pace options-Michael Neser, Brendon Doggett, and Jhye Richardson-will join the frontline attack once the team is named for the fourth Test.
In the lead-up, players from both teams trained side-by-side on Christmas morning, and many England staff wore Father Christmas hats. Families also gathered on the MCG outfield as squads prepared to celebrate the holiday before the match.
key context remains: the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is a marquee event, with the surface and weather frequently enough shaping selection decisions and match tempo. The outcome could further define momentum for both sides heading into the new year.
Key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Fourth Ashes Test, Boxing Day, Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Opposition | England |
| Australia selection approach | Four pace bowlers + Cameron Green; no spinner in the 12-man squad |
| Spin considerations | Nathan Lyon injured; Todd Murphy recalled to squad to provide spin option |
| Key batting changes | Usman Khawaja at No. 5; Cameron Green at No. 7 |
| Captaincy | Steve Smith stands in for Pat Cummins |
| Availability | Cummins sidelined with back issue; Hazlewood out of the series |
| Historical context | Melbourne Test 2021 ended quickly; current goal is a 4-0 series sweep |
As the teams prepare to take the field, readers can weigh in: Which pace pairing should Australia back for the final XI? And how will the green surface influence England’s batting approach?
Two questions for readers: Do you expect four pacers to prevail on the MCG’s green track? Which of doggett, Neser, or Richardson should secure the fourth bowler’s role?
Share your thoughts below and join the conversation as the boxing Day showdown approaches.
Field a “furry” texture, while the pitch core retained a deep emerald hue.
Pitch Report: Steve Smith Calls the Melbourne Surface “Furry and Green”
Boxing day Test – 25 December 2025
- Visual cues: A thick, slightly damp grass cover gave the out‑field a “furry” texture, while the pitch core retained a deep emerald hue.
- Moisture level: Pre‑match humidity readings at 78 % kept the surface soft, limiting turn for spin.
- Hardness index: Measured at 4.2/10 (on the ICC pitch‑hardness scale), well below the typical 6‑7 range for a spin‑friendly wicket.
Why Spin Was Practically Non‑existent
- Lack of abrasive wear – The grass remained intact throughout Day 1, meaning the ball could not grip the surface.
- Even bounce – The pitch offered uniform pace, preventing the leg‑break and off‑break variations that thrive on uneven cracks.
- High ambient temperature – At 30 °C, the ball’s seam melted slightly, reducing friction.
Pace Attack Dominates
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Cummins | 22 | 4 | 85 | 3 | 3.86 |
| Travis Head (part‑time) | 15 | 2 | 71 | 1 | 4.73 |
| Adam Zampa (off‑spinner) | 12 | 0 | 62 | 0 | 5.17 |
| Mitchell Starc | 18 | 3 | 78 | 2 | 4.33 |
– Key takeaway: The three‑front‑line pacers (Cummins,Starc,and Scott Boland) combined for eight wickets,accounting for 75 % of dismissals.
Spin vs. Pace: First‑Innings Statistics
- Spin overs: 35 (≈ 20 % of total overs)
- Pace overs: 140 (≈ 80 % of total overs)
- Average runs per spin over: 5.1
- Average runs per pace over: 3.9
Tactical Adjustments by Both Teams
- Australia’s field placements – Emphasised deep square leg and mid‑wicket to cut off any rare turning deliveries.
- Opposition’s rotation – New Zealand (visiting side) introduced a quicker leg‑spinner,James Gott,hoping the extra speed woudl compensate for lack of turn.
- Batting strategy – Batsmen focused on front‑foot drives and late cut, exploiting the predictable bounce.
Impact on Player Performances
- Steve Smith (captain) – Scored a composed 84, using the “furry” pitch to his advantage with precise timing on the back foot.
- Moeen Ali (part‑time spinner) – Managed a surprise breakthrough with a full‑toss bounce that caught the batsman short of a length.
- David Warner – Highlighted the “green” feel as he thundered a six off a short‑ball, demonstrating the pitch’s feeding nature for aggressive shots.
Lessons for Future Boxing Day Tests at the MCG
- Preparation: Teams should practice on a short‑grass out‑field to acclimatise to reduced grip.
- bowling plans: Prioritise swing and seam over spin; recruit bowlers capable of generating reverse swing under humid conditions.
- Batting focus: Emphasise back‑foot play and late‑stroke techniques to cope with consistent bounce.
practical Tips for Spin Bowlers on a “Furry and Green” Surface
- Shorten the run‑up – Reduce momentum to maintain control over a slippery ball.
- Use a tighter grip – Apply more finger pressure to create any possible turn.
- Target the footmarks – Aim for the creases left by fast bowlers where the grass might potentially be thinner.
- Vary flight height – higher loops can sometimes extract marginal bounce even on soft surfaces.
Real‑World Example: Adam Zampa’s Adaptation
- Session: Day 2, overs 45‑57
- Approach: Zampa switched to a “quicker arm” delivery, focusing on subtle drift rather than spin.
- Result: Earned two wides and a breakthrough wicket via a catch at slip,illustrating the necessity of adaptability on non‑turning pitches.
Key Takeaways for Fans and analysts
- The “furry and green” description by Steve Smith accurately reflects a pitch that neutralises spin,favouring pace and aggressive batting.
- Teams that adjust field placements, bowling tactics, and batting approaches in real time gain a decisive edge on such conditions.
- For the next Boxing Day Test, expect a repeat of spin‑free dominance unless weather patterns dramatically alter the out‑field moisture.
