THE FACTS
When is Australia vs England taking place? Sunday, December 25th, 2021 – 23:30 (UK)
Where is Australia vs England taking place? Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
What is the expected weather for Australia vs England? 17-25c and dry across all five days with consistent cloud, but possible sunny intervals on Days 2 and 3.
What channel is Australia vs England on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Australia vs England? The match can be streamed live via the BT Sport App
LAST MEETING
Australia beat England by 275 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
AUSTRALIA
ENGLAND
THE PREDICTION
Whilst England have three Tests to redeem themselves, it’s already looking like another heavy Ashes series defeat down under is on the cards and they only have themselves to blame. Poor team selection, woefully inferior batting and terrible fielding sees them deservedly 2-0 down heading into the world-famous Boxing Day Test at the cricketing amphitheatre that is the MCG. Such a special occasion cannot fail to galvanise this England side into one last big effort in a bid to save the Ashes. However, the fact is that they have been totally outplayed so far by a better red ball side and it’s so hard to see that changing here.
As scary as it sounds, Australia will be an even stronger unit in the third Test than they were in the second with captain Cummins coming back into the team and a top order batting line-up that includes David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith will once again be expected to pile on the runs, although England won’t help themselves if they continue to drop regulation catches. The pitch curator at the MCG has indicated that movement will be on offer for the bowlers with extra grass being left on the track. This is likely to ensure a result in this third Test, with England’s batters currently struggling enough on a flat Australian pitch, let alone one which offers movement! Ultimately, any result here other than an Australia win would be a big surprise.