Ashes 2025-26: Australia & England confirm their line-ups ahead of Boxing Day Test

Australia and England have confirmed their line-ups for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is scheduled to start on Friday, December 26. While Australia announced their playing XII, comprising all pace attack, England have named their XI.

Australia will be without Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for the fourth Ashes 2025-26 Test as Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett, Steve Smith and Michael Neser have made it to the final 12. Notably, Smith will act as the stand-in captain in Cummins’ absence.

"We're going to be playing four quicks and no spinner. (The pitch) has 10mm of grass, quite furry, quite green. I dare say it's going to offer quite a bit, particularly (day one) is similar conditions to today, quite cold and overcast so I dare say there's going to be quite a bit of movement,” Smith told reporters ahead of the much-awaited Test.

On the other hand, England have named their XI with Jofra Archer being ruled out of the Test with a left side strain. Meanwhile, Ollie Pope has been axed from the XI after giving poor returns.

Left-handed batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell comes into the side and is listed at No.3, while fast bowler Gus Atkinson returns to the XI, replacing Archer.

Australia (Playing XII)

Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Jhye Richardson.

England (Playing XI)

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.

Ashes 2025-26 results and schedule:

First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)

Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)

Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)

Fourth Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground, December 26-30

Fifth Test: Sydney Cricket Ground, January 4-8

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