AUS vs ENG Playing 11 4th Test, The Ashes 2025-26: Team News, Changes, and Replacements

The fourth Test between Australia and England will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26, 2025. It is a big occasion since it's a Boxing Day Test as well. The match is likely to have a huge crowd at one of the biggest cricket stadiums in the world, which is expected to be a packed one.

Australia have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and retained the Ashes. This means that they cannot lose the series now and can play freely in the next two games. On the other hand, England have been disappointing despite coming into the series with high expectations. However, they will be looking to finish the series on a high.

Australia vs England The Ashes Series 2025-26

The home team has been highly dominating in The Ashes 2025-26 right from the first game. England had their chances in the 1st Test played at Perth where they took the first innings lead. But Australia made a stunning comeback and won the match comfortably in the end.

It was a similar story in the 2nd Test as Australia made full use of their experience in these conditions. Despite some of their key players being unavailable for this pink-ball Test, they brushed aside the visitors without much fuss. In both these games, Mitchell Starc was adjudged the Player of the Match and showed why he is among the best Test bowlers in the world.

England had their chances in the 3rd Test but Australia seemed one step ahead every time. This time, they found a new hero in the form of Alex Carey, who has been praised very highly for his superb wicketkeeping skills. Carey scored a brilliant hundred and took his team to a comfortable first innings total.

Despite showing some fight, England fell short in the end and lost the match by 82 runs. With two matches left, the visitors cannot regain the Ashes but will be aiming to finish this tough tour on a high.

AUS vs ENG Playing 11 for 4th Test 2025

Both teams have made some changes in their playing XI for this match, mainly due to injuries. Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the series after a superb performance in the last Test. He is likely to be replaced by Brendan Doggett or Jhye Richardson in the Australia playing 11 for Boxing Day Test. This also means that Steve Smith will take the captaincy duties once again for the hosts. Nathan Lyon has also been ruled out of the series owing to injury but Australia have opted for an all-pace attack.

Meanwhile, England have also dropped Ollie Pope and included Jacob Bethell in their Playing 11. Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out due to side strain and has been replaced by Gus Atkinson for the England Playing 11 for Boxing Day Test. Here is the Australia vs England Playing 11 for 4th Test:

Key Players to Watch Out For in Australia vs England 4th Test 2025-2026

Veteran batter Steve Smith will lead Australia in the absence of Cummins and all the eyes will be on his performance as well as the captaincy. Meanwhile Travis Head's excellent form will be exciting to watch as well. From the bowling department, Starc has played all the matches this series and it remains to be seen whether he continues his excellent form with bat and ball in this game as well or not.

On the other hand, England have a point to prove with skipper Ben Stokes likely to be tested. The pressure will be on the experienced Joe Root, who is regarded as one of the best Test batsmen of this generation. Other than him, vice-captain Harry Brook and opener Ben Duckett will also have a huge role to play if England are to fight back.