England’s hopes of securing a consolation win in Melbourne look set to be boosted by facing a weakened Australia bowling attack missing Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins .
The tourists have been so disappointing that they will still start as underdogs, but Joe Root in particular should benefit from Cummins taking another break.
Root scored a spirited 39 in the second innings in Adelaide before he fell to his nemesis Cummins for the 13th time.
An unbeaten 138 in Brisbane had previously highlighted the Yorkshire batter's class and this is a chance to salvage some more pride.
Root struck first-innings half-centuries at the MCG in 2017 and 2021 and 15/8 for him to score 50 or more again is our opening Fourth Ashes Test prediction.
Joe Root 50+ runs in England's first innings? – Ashes 2025
Betting Odds
Australia vs England Fourth Test Betting Odds – Cricket
Result | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Australia | 4/7 | 63.6% |
England | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Draw | 10/1 | 9.1% |
Australia go into this 4th Ashes test as commanding 4/7 favourites in the betting.
England carry the underdogs tag at odds of 2/1 while the draw can be backed at 10/1.
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Australia vs England Fourth Ashes Test Prediction – Ashes 2025
Australia vs England Betting Preview – Ashes 4th Test
How to Watch
How to Watch the Fourth Ashes Test
The action will get under way at 23:30 GMT on Christmas Day and will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports.
The Top Aussie Bowler?
Local Hero Boland Backed to Be Top Aussie Bowler
With Cummins and Lyon absent and Mitchell Starc seemingly showing signs of tiredness in Adelaide, Scott Boland could be the biggest threat to England in Melbourne.
The proud Victorian made a sensational Test debut against England on home turf at this venue in 2021, taking six wickets for just seven runs in the second innings.
Will Scott Boland be Australia's top first-innings bowler? – Ashes 2025
That incredible blitz helped the Aussies to win by an innings and 14 runs and earned Boland player-of-the-match honours.
Boland also shone in last year’s triumph over India at the MCG , claiming three scalps in each innings.
Looking at the Australia vs England fourth Test odds, Boland is worth backing at 3/1 to be his side’s top bowler in the first innings this week.
Travis' Perfect Headspace
Travis Has Found the Perfect Headspace
South Australia ace Travis Head has already starred in front of his home fans by hitting a stunning 170 in Adelaide .
Having earlier blasted his way to 123 off just 137 balls in Perth , the 31-year-old has more centuries in this Ashes series than England ’s batters put together.
His switch to opener has proved a masterstroke and Head declared: “I’m probably in the best space I’ve been in for the last four or five years.
“I’m just enjoying people’s company and enjoying playing, but also enjoying my family away from the game – and I think that gives you a good perspective.”
Punters can get 4/1 for Head to score another century in Australia ’s first innings and that is added to our Fourth Ashes Test betting tips.
4th Test Betting Tips
Australia vs England 4th Test Betting Tips
Joe Root to score 50 or more @ 15/8
Scott Boland to be Australia's top bowler in the first innings @ 3/1
Travis Head to score a century in Australia's first innings @ 4/1
Simply click/tap on the above betting tips to add to your betslip.
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