Event of the Day: Australia v England

Our event of the day is the opening day of the 4th Test of the 2017-18 Ashes series between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia won the first three Tests of the series, in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth respectively, to reclaim the Ashes urn and are now looking to complete another Ashes whitewash, having recorded a 5-0 home win in the 2013-14 series. England are desperate to avoid this and save some pride from this tour with a first Test win in Australia after eight defeats in a row. Thus, the most revered cricket match in Australia, the Boxing Day Test, is still a very special event and has a lot at stake for both sides.

The strength in the Australian batting is clearly captain Steven Smith, the number one batsmen in the world, but it is Australia’s bowling attack that has earned the most praise in the first first three Tests. This time, however, the hosts will be without the leading wicket-taker of the series, Mithell Starc, due to his heel injury. Therefore, Jackson Bird will get his chance and form a fast bowling bowling trio alongside Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. One of the players to have impressed for England on the tour, bowler Craig Overton, misses out for the visitors with a fractured rib. Skipper Joe Root has decided to replace him with Test debutant, fast bowler Tom Curran. Good weather conditions and perhaps another record-breaking attendance of the Test series (91,112 spectators in 2013) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, are a perfect set up for what should be a thrilling cricket match.

 

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NBA clash between the Detroit Pistons and the Indian Pacers at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Detroit recorded a close 104-101 home win against the New York Knicks on Friday, whilst Indiana had a 123-119 overtime triumph against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. New Zealand and West Indies play their 3rd ODI at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Also in cricket, there’s a Big Bash League encounter between the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Stars at the WACA Ground in Perth. In Pro14 Rugby, Munster take on Leinster at Thomond Park in Limerick. The traditional Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts in Sydney Harbour. In football, there’s a Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at London’s Wembley Stadium.

 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

 

Fixture

 

Photos by England Cricket; Cricket Australia