AUS vs ENG Prediction, Ashes 2025-26, Match 4, Match Winner, Team, Playing XI and Pitch Report

Australia will take on England in the fourth Test of the five-match series at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, starting on Friday, December 26.

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Australia will be heading into the Boxing Day Test with Steve Smith as the stand-in captain in Pat Cummins’ absence. Moreover, they will be without their veteran spinner Nathan Lyon in the XI. 

On the other hand, England has axed Ollie Pope from the XI with Jofra Archer being ruled out due to a left side strain. While Jacob Bethell will bat at No.3, Gus Atkinson replaces Archer. 

The hosts will enter the contest having retained the Ashes after winning the series 3-0 in Adelaide.  

AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025, Match 4 Details

Match: Australia vs England, Ashes 2025-26, Match 4

Time & Date: 5:00 AM IST, December 26 to 30

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025, Match 4 Pitch Report

The Melbourne surface is expected to initially assist new ball bowlers, offering lateral movement. As the game progresses, we can anticipate batters doing well on this surface. In the last three Tests at this venue, the first average first innings score was 318.

AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025, Match 4 Probable XIs

Australia 

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

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.

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AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025, Match 4 Winner Prediction

Match Winner: Australia.

A total of 361 Ashes Tests have been played so far, with Australia winning 152 games while England has secured 112 wins. On the other hand, a total of 97 Tests concluded in a draw. With England already on the back foot, we can expect Australia to continue their winning momentum, thanks to their home advantage, and take a 4-0 lead in the five-match series.

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