AUS vs ENG, 4th Test: Australia take on England in the fourth Test of the marquee Ashes 2025-26 series from Friday, Dec. 26. After retaining the prestigious urn, the hosts aim to further stamp their authority over the tourists. Having beaten England comprehensively in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, the Australians will now look to extend their dominance in Melbourne at the Boxing Day Test.
The Kangaroos hammered England at the Adelaide Oval and took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series despite missing their batting great Steve Smith. Regular skipper Pat Cummins made a return from his hamstring issue and led the Australians to an 82-run victory. However, Cummins, who is still managing his injury, will be resting out of the remainder of the series. Smith will make a quick return and take over the team’s leadership once again.
Also ruled out of the series is premier off-spinner Nathan Lyon with an injury. The selectors brought in a like-for-like replacement for Lyon in Todd Murphy. Young seamer Jhye Richardson is another comeback man in the squad.
Australia will take an all-pace attack into the Boxing Day Test but captain Steve Smith said that the hosts are yet to settle on their final XI for the fourth AUS vs ENG Test.
England have also announced changes to their playing XI for the fourth Test. Struggling No. 3 Ollie Pope has been dropped and replaced by Jacob Bethell, while express quick Jofra Archer has been ruled out with an injury. The selectors have named seamer Gus Atkinson as his replacement.
