Anybody’s Series- Ashes Fourth Test Preview

It just does not get any bigger than this.

A Boxing Day Test at the MCG in front of a potential crowd of 90,000, the Ashes up for grabs, the series level at 1-1 with two Tests to play. Simply put- this is a cricket fan’s dream.

England will be under pressure awaiting the news on whether of not their main strike bowler Jimmy Anderson will be fit after suffering a side strain mid-week.

With 200 wickets in 55 Test matches, Anderson is key to England's hopes of regaining their lead.

Australia will most likely be playing Ricky Ponting after he suffered a broken finger in the last Test at Perth.

The host’s dominant win at the WACA might have put somewhat of a downer on English fans’ proceedings, however the visitors once again has the opportunity to retain the urn in Melbourne.

If Australia is to win this fourth showdown, or secure a draw, either team will still be able to take home the Ashes with one Test to play.

Australia (probable) 1 Shane Watson, 2 Phillip Hughes, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Clarke, 5 Michael Hussey, 6 Steven Smith, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Ryan Harris, 10 Michael Beer, 11 Ben Hilfenhaus.

England (probable) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Paul Collingwood, 6 Ian Bell, 7 Matt Prior (wk), 8 Tim Bresnan, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 Chris Tremlett, 11 James Anderson

On the batting end, Michael Hussey is being hailed as the man to bring the urn home.  By freeing his thinking and playing his natural game, Hussey has sparked a career revival that will see his place cemented in the side for a while to come.

For England, Ian Bell has grabbed the headlines over the past week, with many considering an out-of-form Paul Collingwood too much of a risk at number 5.

Bell is in form, but hasn't had much opportunity to post a big Ashes score as of yet. While the bookies might be giving him short odds, one would feel that an Alistair Cook or Andrew Strauss top score is more likely.

On the bowling front, Chris Tremlett’s form in the last test was superb, and with murmurings of a pace-friendly pitch doing the rounds- he is the man to back here.

For Australia look to once again witness Mitchell Johnson swing it a mile, as he looks to bolster his position after being dropped for the Second Test.

The traditional slow MCG drop-in pitches usually mean a spinner is required, so Michael Beer could very well find himself on debut, with Swann looking to inflict damage to the host’s middle order.

This Test is a tough one to call considering the occasion, as well as the venue.

Australia has won the last 10 out of 11 Tests at the MCG, with the only loss being to South Africa two years ago.

Anderson’s loss could prove influential for the visitors here, with a lot riding on his swing ability to wrap this series up.

The bookies are calling this one slightly in favour of the Aussies here, with a draw at the longest odds.

Interesting Statistic: Ricky Ponting enters this match having played in 99 Test victories. If Australia wins he will be the first player in history to take part in 100 Test wins.