Ashes LIVE: Steve Smith again for Boxing Day Test, Aussie seamer in line for return as England seems to save lots of face after falling in 3-0 gap

With a green top on offer and overcast conditions, both sides wanted to bowl first with England having the first small victory of the day. Jhye Richardson to return for his first Test in four years for Australia after a horror run of injuries. Brendan Doggett to miss out.

England captain Ben Stokes

‘A nice coverage of grass on here so, we think it will be hard work this morning. We got the toss now it is about going executing the plans.’

Australian captain Steve Smith

‘Brendan Doggett misses out. A nice squad of bowlers and looking seeing how they go later on.’

Catches win matches, that but that hasn’t saved Marnus Labuschagne from being demoted in the field for the Boxing Day Test.

Stand-in captain Steve Smith returns to the side for the fourth clash against England, after suffering from vertigo that ruled him out of the Adelaide Test.

Australia sealed The Ashes 3-0 at Adelaide Oval, with a pair of Labuschagne screamers in the slips helping them achieve the fifth-day result against England.

However Labuschagne will have to relinquish his spot at second slip, with Smith to return to his customary fielding position.

‘He’s been there a week, I’ve done it for 10 years,’ Smith told media with a laugh.

Good morning and welcome to our live blog of the fourth Ashes Test, the iconic Boxing Day clash in Melbourne.

It’s a bit chilly at the MCG today and overcast as well, which could give England a bit of a boost.

Australia arrive at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test with the Ashes already secured and a 3–0 series lead that reflects their control across all three matches.

Steve Smith returns to captain the side, with Australia opting for an all-pace attack after injuries sidelined Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for the remainder of the series.

It is the first time in 15 years the Aussies have gone into the Boxing Day Test without a spinner, and a bitter blow for Todd Murphy who is yet to play a Test on home soil.

Scott Boland looms as a central figure again at his home ground, where his record and past Boxing Day performance continue to shape England’s plans.

Mitchell Starc is in career-best form, leaving Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser to fight it out for two remaining spots.

England, meanwhile, face another reshuffle, bringing Jacob Bethell in at No.3 and losing Jofra Archer to injury as they search for stability after losing the Ashes in just 11 days.

Ben Stokes’ side has struggled to post competitive first-innings totals, a trend they must reverse on a surface that often rewards patience and discipline.

The MCG’s history adds weight to the contest, with Australia unbeaten in their last three Tests against England at the venue and winners of the past four Boxing Day matches overall.

England can still draw belief from past Melbourne upsets, though their recent away record offers little margin for error.

Australia’s batting order settles with Smith’s return, pushing Usman Khawaja down the order and keeping Alex Carey in strong form after his Adelaide hundred.

With World Test Championship points also at stake, the hosts have incentive beyond the urn to maintain momentum through the back end of the summer.

A packed MCG and Boxing Day tradition ensure the stage is set, even if the series result is already decided.