David Shortte’s Ashes Preview: 4th Test

Posted on December 24, 2025December 24, 2025 | Posted by David Shortte

Australia head in to the Boxing Day Test at the MCG with an unassailable 3-0 Series advantage off the back of another excellent performance in Adelaide.

Home town Heroes Travis Head and Alex Carey were both superb with their crucial tons and the bowling lineup shared the wickets around.

For England it was their most competitive performance of the summer but again when the big moments in the game arrived they failed to capitalize.

Here are the key run scorer and wicket taker numbers after the first three tests.

Most Series Runs

Travis Head 379 runs at an average of 63.16

Alex Carey 267 runs at an average of 66.75

Joe Root 219 runs at an average of 43.8

Zac Crawley 214 runs at an average of 35.66

Harry Brook 173 runs at an average of 28.83

Ben Stokes 165 runs at an average of 27.5

Marnus Labuschagne 160 runs at an average of 32

Mitch Starc 150 runs at an average of 50

Jamie Smith 134 runs at an average of 22.33

Jake Weatherald 131 runs at an average of 26.2

Most Series Wickets

Mitch Starc 22 wickets at an average of 17.04

Brydon Carse 14 wickets at an average of 29.28

Scott Boland 11 wickets at an average of 28.09

Ben Stokes 9 wickets at an average of 25.88

Joffra Archer 9 wickets at an average of 27.11

Brendan Doggett 7 wickets at an average of 30.71

Michael Neser 6 wickets at an average of 14.16

Pat Cummins 6 wickets at an average of 19.50

WHAT NOW?

So what will this Boxing Day Test deliver?

Australia will be without Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon from their bowling outfit with the door ajar for Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser or Todd Murphy to return to the side while Steve Smith will return to the top order quite likely at the expense of Josh Inglis. There are also suggestions that Cam Green could make way for fellow all-rounder Beau Webster.

For England with the series now gone you wonder if they might explore what is untried in the touring party.

It appears likely Ollie Pope will make way for Jacob Bethell at the top of the order but exactly what they do with their bowling lineup is yet to be determined.

VERDICT

Australia are charging on through this series with great momentum and have publicly stated that the 5-0 series sweep is now their full focus.

Someone is going to have to remember how to deliver a knockout blow for England to win a Test and right now that is not seeming likely.

The Aussies appear most likely to win this Test and head to the SCG with a Whitewash a distinct possibility.

BET WITH SHORTTE

The Boxing Day Test is always a highlight of the Australian Sporting Calendar and with the Ashes in town it will again attract plenty of eyeballs.

The Bet with Shortte play on the match looks very achievable with Starc and Boland to combine for 7 or more wickets in the match.

On behalf of myself and all of the team at TABtouch wishing you all a Happy and Safe Christmas and wishing you all many winners in 2026!

David Shortte

*Odds correct at the time of publication.

Market Market