The tourists are still making the right noises in the Ashes pressers but on the field they have looked well off the pace.
Australia vs England | 26 – 30 December | The MCG, Melbourne
To Win Match
Australia 9/20 | Draw 15/4 | England 5/1
Australia
As well as things have gone for Australia there are a few players who won’t be feeling as comfortable as the rest.
Opener Marcus Harris has struggled for form throughout the series but has received the backing of coach Justin Langer.
Cameron Green has also battled with the bat but the top-order all-rounder has made valuable contributions with the ball.
Skipper Pat Cummins is set for a return but Josh Hazlewood might have to sit out the Boxing Day Test with Jhye Richardson favoured to be retained.
England
England skipper Joe Root has set out his stall to get big runs in Melbourne and lead the team from the front.
It has been a frustrating Ashes for England fans who have seen this team look completely at sea for all but a few isolated sessions of Test cricket.
Although the threat of a green top looms at the MCG England are expected to recall off-spinner and handy batsman Dom Bess with Australia’s top order loaded with left-handers.
England missed the express pace of Mark Wood but now face a poser in terms of how to get him back into the squad. Based on the performances in Adelaide it seems Stuart Broad is favourite to get the axe.
Verdict: Australia 9/20
Australia will be bitterly disappointed if they fail to wrap up the series in Melbourne.
