9.50am James Hollands: “Rob Key had been dismissing 75mph bowlers in the championship, but give me Darren Stevens any day on this deck under grey skies.” Probably didn’t expect as many references to Darren Stevens when this Ashes began
Mark: “If Neser, Starc and Richardson all play, this will be Australia shortest ever tail. All average 20+ with the bat at FC level.”
Tiggsy: “Stevo batting 8 and hooping it round corners sounds great, but I’d kill for Sam Cook on this deck. An attack of him, Robinson and Potts on here would be deadly…”
We are 10 minutes away from the toss.
9.45am Spencer: “Neser should be preferred to Richardson” – Signs are they are both playing with Brendan Doggett the one to miss out
9.40am It’s twice in the series Australia have gone without a frontline spinner and, despite Steve Smith saying Todd Murphy was a good chance for Sydney next week, wouldn’t rule out the same again – SCG has been pace-dominated of late. Very interesting time for spin in Australia, ironically when there is significant depth in it around the country.
Edmund: “If I was an Aussie batter, I would be terrified of facing Gus Atkinson with the new ball this morning. England win toss, Aussies 5 down at lunch.” Can’t entirely tell whether this is serious or not
9.35am Given this is a Boxing Day Test at the MCG, we can’t really go much further without mentioning a certain Scott Boland. Four years ago his life changed. He’s had a huge part to play in this series. Meanwhile, the sun is making an appearance.
9.30am For England, the build-up to this Test has been dominated by the fallout from the mid-series trip to Noosa. Just a few hours after Rob Key said he’d investigate claims of excessive drinking, a video appeared on line with Ben Duckett. Ben Stokes was pretty emotional when discussing it a couple of days ago. Vish delves into the wider issues here.
Andy: “Do you think it’s a bowl or bat first wicket if you win the toss?” – Reckon both sides will bowl if they get the chance
Manish: “3-2 reads better than any other possible scoreline. That’s what England should tell themselves.” That’s what Zak Crawley said
9.25am The curator, Matt Page, has left 10mm of grass on the surface which is 3mm more than last year’s Test against India. Steve Smith term it “very furry, very green” yesterday.
Matthew: “Well, England aren’t playing a spinner either!” Ha, true. Who wins in the Will Jacks vs Travis Head comparison?
Andrew: “No frontline spinners in the match = R.I.P. over-rates.”
9.20am Happy Boxing Day, everyone. Hope you are all well fed and watered. Welcome to our coverage from the MCG for one of the great days in the cricket calendar. Australia hunting for 4-0 on the way to a whitewash while England are desperate to regain some pride. Andrew McGlashan and Andrew Miller here to bring you the action. It’s a cool, grey morning in Melbourne but, so far, dry and the teams are warming up. We know England’s XI (Ollie Pope and Jofra Archer out, Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson in) but await the final word on Australia’s attack – the early signs this morning point towards Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson. Is it a big call not to play a spinner?
