BOXING DAY FOR THE POMS!

Another stern test awaits England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as rampaging Aussies will be looking to blast England out on the Christmas Eve. With Ashes already done and dusted, England will be playing with nothing to lose. Any team is even more dangerous when they have nothing to lose. I am afraid to say the same about this English side though. The only respite for England before the match even starts is that they know that Australia will be playing without Mitchell Starc. But the only hit-the-deck bowler Craig Overton has also been ruled out for England which will force them to bring young Tom Curran in. I don't think it will do any harm to either him or the England team. Young blood always brings excitement and a bit of energy to the team. I think Tom Curran will be a more like to like replacement for Ben Stokes than Chris Woakes. Quick, sharp bowler and also more than handy with the bat. Mitchell Starc will be replaced by Jackson Bird who was pretty good in the last summer against Pakistan. I don't think there will be any other change in either teams. Now I think it is more mental strength than skill for England. You can't reach this level of cricket if you don't posses the required set of skills. It is all about the mindset and adjusting to the situation. I completely agree with what Ricky Ponting said about Alastair Cook. Cook's mind is just not allowing him to move his feet. He sees the ball and instead of going forward at the ball, he is going straight back. And therefore he has hardly yielded a run on this tour. Rest of the batting looks pretty good without any significant results. Australia will be hoping for a Warner special on the Boxing Day in front of 80000 Aussies and a box of evergreen Barmy Army in the big 'G'. England will be hoping to win the toss and bowl under overcast conditions and bowl Australia out cheaply just like they did in 2010. But the way in which England are playing and the mindset which they are in right now, I can see nothing but a huge Australian victory.