BREAKING: Steve Smith is set to return as captain for the iconic Boxing Day Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, 2025. This comes after Australia has already secured a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Ashes, leaving England desperate to salvage pride.
In a surprising turn, Marnus Labuschagne has been demoted in the field to make way for Smith, who missed the previous match due to vertigo. “He’s been there a week, I’ve done it for 10 years,” Smith quipped during a press conference, indicating his eagerness to reclaim his position.
In a significant shift, Australia will field an all-pace attack for the first time in 15 years on Boxing Day, following injuries to key players Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. Scott Boland looks to be a key figure on his home ground, while Mitchell Starc enters the match in career-best form. The competition for two remaining spots will be fierce among Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett, and Michael Neser.
Meanwhile, England’s woes continue as they announce changes, including bringing in Jacob Bethell at No. 3 in place of the injured Jofra Archer. The team has struggled to produce competitive first-innings totals, a trend they must reverse if they hope to avoid a humiliating 5-0 series defeat.
The atmosphere at the MCG promises to be electric, with a full house expected for the Boxing Day match, a cherished tradition in Australian cricket. Australia boasts an unbeaten record in their last three Tests against England at this venue, having also won the past four Boxing Day encounters overall.
As the teams prepare for the toss, the stakes are high not just for the Ashes, but also for World Test Championship points, providing further incentive for Australia to maintain their momentum. Fans eagerly anticipate how Smith’s return will impact Australia’s batting order, pushing Usman Khawaja down the lineup while keeping Alex Carey in form after a hundred in Adelaide.
With the series already decided, the focus shifts to how England can piece together a competitive performance. Will they rise to the occasion and avoid a whitewash, or will Australia continue their dominance? Stay tuned for live updates as the action unfolds at the MCG.
