MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 25: Ben Duckett (right) of England can be seen during an England training session at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 25, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
UPDATE: England’s cricket team celebrated Christmas Day in Melbourne with a light-hearted training session, donning Santa hats and playing soccer just days before the crucial Boxing Day Test. The atmosphere was noticeably jovial amid growing criticism of the team’s performance and recent off-field antics, including an infamous mid-series trip to Noosa.
As Australia leads the Ashes series with an unassailable3-0 advantage, England’s players are under intense scrutiny following revelations about their behavior during the break. Footage of opener Ben Duckett appearing heavily intoxicated has sparked outrage among fans and pundits alike. The team’s Christmas Day training at the MCG was their most relaxed moment this tour, as they joined family members for a casual kickabout.
England captain Ben Stokes shifted his pre-match media appearances to Wednesday, pleading for empathy from the public. He acknowledged the mounting pressure on his squad and the need for support during this challenging time. Meanwhile, Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith addressed the media on Christmas morning, expressing understanding for England’s struggles. “When you’re losing, the spotlight is always on you and things can get spoken about and get blown up pretty heavily,” Smith stated.
In a significant team update, Smith confirmed that fast bowler Jhye Richardson is on the verge of making a sensational return to Test cricket after four years, as Australia looks to solidify their dominance over England and aim for their third Ashes whitewash in two decades. The selection of veteran Usman Khawaja over Josh Inglis adds further firepower to Australia’s already robust lineup.
Christmas festivities continued as players, including Smith and his teammates, enjoyed time with their families at the MCG. Smith remarked, “We’ll have a nice lunch together this afternoon and enjoy each other’s company.” He humorously noted that teammate Travis Head would likely indulge in the prawns at lunch more than anyone else.
The excitement is building ahead of the Boxing Day Test, with expectations of up to 20,000 traveling English fans, including the fervent Barmy Army, attending the match. The sell-out crowd could reach nearly 100,000 on the first day, despite England’s disappointing performance in the series.
As Melbourne experiences unseasonably cold weather, with a high of 17 degrees Celsius expected, conditions will be a stark contrast to last year’s scorching Boxing Day Test. Players trained in jumpers, preparing for a thrilling contest that promises to be filled with emotion and tension.
Fans eagerly await the action as Australia seeks to extend their dominance and England aims for redemption in this historic rivalry. The Boxing Day Test is poised to be a spectacle that captures the heart of cricket fans worldwide.
