Ashes 2021 LIVE- Melbourne Weather Report: The upcoming Boxing Day Test between Australia and England is all set to take place at the iconic MCG starting December 26. The third Test offer Australia to nail the final coffin to England and clinic the series 3-0 in their pursuit of winning the series 5-0. Follow Ashes 2021 Boxing Day Test live updates on InsideSport.IN
Joe Root & Co have been completely outplayed in all three departments at Brisbane & Adelaide and training 0-2 to the hosts. One more error would mean the captain & coach might end up getting fired from their posts at the end of the Ashes Test series.
But weather gods could come to rescue England from yet another embarrassment. Rain has been predicted on Day 1 at Melbourne. The latest development comes a piece of shit for around 70,000 fans who are likely to attend the arena.
Ashes 2021 LIVE- Melbourne Weather Report: Will Rain gods save Joe Root’s England another embarrassment against Australia in Boxing Day Test? Follow LIVE updates
4:48 AM IST, Sunday: Toss delayed due to rain
New 5-day weather update
Pitch Report
If we look at stats Melbourne’s rich history shows that the pitch is expected to assist both the pacers and the spinner. With conditions overcast for the opening contest and rain threat looming around, expect the pitch to benefit the pacers with grass presence likely on Day 1 & 2. The role of spinner could come into play from Day 3 as the sunny spell of weather is predicted.
Among current players, Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins have taken 34 and 21 wickets at the venue. Meanwhile, Steve Smith (Australia) is on verge of completing 1000 runs at the venue.
England are expected to make a number of changes which is likely to include opening batsman Rory Burns, which might pave the way for Zak Crawley. Meanwhile, England might also consider Jonny Bairstow who can both open the innings and keep the wickets. Jos Buttler dropped a number of catches during the Adelaide Test but his innings with the bat might save him from the playing XI axe.
On the other hand, Australia will be gunning for yet another series win against England. They remain undefeated against the visitors in the last 12 tests, winning 11 games while 1 ended in a tie. The return of skipper Pat Cummins will further bolster the Aussie pace attack despite Josh Hazlewood being doubtful for the Boxing Day Test.
Ashes 2021 LIVE- Melbourne Weather Report: Will Rain gods save Joe Root’s England another embarrassment against Australia in Boxing Day Test? Follow LIVE updates
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