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The Ashes has once again been decided before the festive period arrives at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The last time England were still alive in the contest heading into the fourth Test was back in the 2010–11 series, and this year tells a familiar story. What makes it especially disappointing for the visitors is that they arrived in Australia believing they had assembled the ideal squad to finally secure their first Ashes triumph Down Under since 2010–11. Instead, they now trail 3–0 after just 11 days of cricket.
Adding to the frustration for England is the fact that Australia have yet to field a full-strength XI at any stage of the series. Josh Hazlewood has been unavailable throughout, Pat Cummins played only in Adelaide, Steve Smith missed the Adelaide Test due to vertigo, and Nathan Lyon sat out in Brisbane before suffering a series-ending injury in Adelaide. Despite these setbacks, the hosts have excelled across departments, with Mitchell Starc producing a standout campaign reminiscent of Mitchell Johnson’s dominance in 2013–14. The supporting bowlers have also been disciplined and consistent, ensuring Australia never felt the absence of their frontline stars.
England, by contrast, have only shown promise in brief spells. They did secure a first-innings lead in Perth, but the momentum vanished following a second-innings collapse. From that point onward, Australia seized control of the series, building commanding first-innings leads in both Brisbane and Adelaide — advantages that ultimately paved the way for comfortable victories.
The Ashes may now be gone, but England still have plenty to play for: World Test Championship points, pride, and the opportunity to avoid the prospect of a 5–0 whitewash.
Teams:
Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey(w), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland
England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
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Adding to the frustration for England is the fact that Australia have yet to field a full-strength XI at any stage of the series. Josh Hazlewood has been unavailable throughout, Pat Cummins played only in Adelaide, Steve Smith missed the Adelaide Test due to vertigo, and Nathan Lyon sat out in Brisbane before suffering a series-ending injury in Adelaide. Despite these setbacks, the hosts have excelled across departments, with Mitchell Starc producing a standout campaign reminiscent of Mitchell Johnson’s dominance in 2013–14. The supporting bowlers have also been disciplined and consistent, ensuring Australia never felt the absence of their frontline stars.
England, by contrast, have only shown promise in brief spells. They did secure a first-innings lead in Perth, but the momentum vanished following a second-innings collapse. From that point onward, Australia seized control of the series, building commanding first-innings leads in both Brisbane and Adelaide — advantages that ultimately paved the way for comfortable victories.
The Ashes may now be gone, but England still have plenty to play for: World Test Championship points, pride, and the opportunity to avoid the prospect of a 5–0 whitewash.
Teams:
Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey(w), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland
England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
=======
All posters, please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.
2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media, or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
