AUS vs ENG Boxing Day Test Match Info, Full Squads, Probable Playing XIs and More

The iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is set to host the fourth Test of the Ashes 2025–26, with Australia and England locking horns from 26 December 2025. The match will begin at 10:30 AM local time, and with Australia already leading the series 3-0, the focus now shifts to squad rotation, bench strength, and pride.

Match Info

• Match: Australia vs England, 4th Test
• Series: The Ashes 2025-26
• Date: 26 December 2025
• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

AUS vs ENG BOXING DAY TEST: Team News

Australia will be without their regular captain Pat Cummins, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a back stress injury. With the Ashes secured, the team management has opted to rest him to avoid long-term risk. Steve Smith is expected to return as captain, subject to fitness clearance after missing the Adelaide Test with an inner-ear issue.

Another major blow for the hosts is Nathan Lyon, who will undergo surgery after tearing his right hamstring. Off-spinner Todd Murphy has been added to the squad and is likely to feature. Fast bowler Jhye Richardson, after a long injury layoff, is also in contention for a comeback.

Australia Squad

Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

England Squad

Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Matthew Fisher, Shoaib Bashir

Probable Playing XIs

Australia:
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Todd Murphy

England:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Matthew Potts, Shoaib Bashir