UPDATE: England’s cricketers kicked off Christmas Day with a light-hearted training session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as they face mounting pressure in the ongoing Ashes series. The players sported Santa hats and engaged in a friendly soccer match, with their families joining them for a rare moment of joy amidst a challenging tour.
In a stark contrast to their recent criticism, England’s squad displayed a more jovial atmosphere just before the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test, scheduled for December 26, 2023. Australia has already secured the Ashes series with an unassailable 3-0 lead, placing even greater urgency on England to turn their fortunes around.
The session followed a tumultuous mid-series trip to Noosa, which has been criticized for resembling a “stag-do.” Images of opener Ben Duckett appearing heavily intoxicated have further intensified scrutiny on the team. Despite the pressure, Thursday’s training was a much-needed respite, as players like Harry Brook batted in festive attire, signaling a shift in mood.
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, has urged the public for understanding amid the team’s struggles, moving his media commitments to Wednesday to address concerns directly. Stokes called for empathy, stating, “When you’re losing, the spotlight is always on you,” acknowledging the difficulties faced by the players.
Meanwhile, Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith addressed the media on Christmas morning, discussing the team’s lineup changes. Veteran Usman Khawaja has replaced Josh Inglis, while fast bowler Jhye Richardson is on the brink of a remarkable comeback, potentially playing his first Test match in four years.
Smith expressed sympathy for the England team, commenting, “It can be tricky, you’re in a country where you can go out and enjoy yourselves.” He emphasized the importance of balancing relaxation with the pressures of competition.
Both teams enjoyed optional Christmas morning training sessions before separate lunch gatherings. The festive mood continued as players from both squads mingled with their families on the field. Smith shared a light-hearted moment, stating, “Travis Head’s looking forward to lunch and he gets stuck into the prawns,” highlighting the camaraderie among players.
The upcoming Boxing Day Test is expected to draw a massive crowd, with up to 20,000 traveling English fans, including members of the Barmy Army, set to cheer on their team despite the current series deficit. The anticipated sell-out crowd could reach nearly 100,000, creating an electric atmosphere at the MCG.
As Melbourne experiences unseasonably cold weather, players trained in jumpers with a high of only 17 degrees Celsius expected on Test day. In contrast to last year’s scorching conditions, this year’s cooler climate will add another layer of challenge for both teams as they prepare for the match.
With the Ashes series on the line, all eyes will be on the MCG tomorrow as England seeks redemption against the formidable Australian side. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the festive spirit can translate into improved performance on the field.
