England beat Australia to avoid whitewash in incredible fourth Ashes Test

England brought some Christmas cheer to their suffering fans by dominating the first two sessions of the Boxing Day Test. Alas, the merriment of having bowled Australia out for 152 was soon followed by a hangover of festive proportions. The tourists were bowled out for 110 after tea to be on the back foot for the umpteenth time this series.

However, for once, it was not the failings of English batsmen (their technique and temperament) in the spotlight. On a day when 20 wickets fell the pitch was the focus of pointed questions.

There was 10mm on grass on the MCG day one – by comparison there were 7mm on the Perth pitch when 19 wickets fell on the first day. To make matters worse, the groundsman expects the pitch to nip around just as much on day two but with the added ingredient of it playing also quicker. Gulp…

Now here are the reasons for England to be positive. Should the pitch prediction be correct the tourists’ attack will fancy its chances of making early inroads today. Not least because on the first day Josh Tongue (who took five for 45) and Co looked as probing and dangerous as any England bowling performance this series (not overly hard, I know…). Added to that the hosts sent out Scott Boland l to open with Travis Head – a walking wicket able to offer up some much-needed early joy on day two? More than some would say yes…

Speaking on the BBC, Telegraph columnist Michael Vaughan said this is England’s “best chance” of winning a Test during what has been a tough series.

“They are a good chasing side. We have had three heavy rollers already and there will be another one tomorrow morning,” the former England captain said.

“This England team can chase. Australia are favourites, but don’t rule England out.”

The first session will tell us a lot regarding whether Vaughan is right or not.

Stay here for all the action, with anything possible on a pitch, and in a series, where the outrageous has never been far from making an appearance.