The Ashes: Australia vs England fourth Test betting odds and predictions

• Ladbrokes previews the fourth Test of the Ashes, which starts on Boxing Day in Australia

• Australia have already retained the Ashes after winning the third Test

• More dominance is expected for the Aussies as they chase a series whitewash

The Ashes 2025/26 moves on to Melbourne for the fourth Test of the series between Australia and England, with the hosts already celebrating the retention of the urn after a dominant victory in Adelaide.

England now face the unenviable task of salvaging pride in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, having once again fallen short in key moments throughout the series.

With Australia 3-0 up and full of confidence, Ladbrokes brings you its preview and prediction ahead of the fourth Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Ashes fourth Test preview, prediction

Any lingering hopes England had of competing for the Ashes were extinguished in Adelaide, where Australia wrapped up a third straight Test win to secure the series with two matches still to play. Despite flashes of resistance with the bat, England were ultimately outplayed across all five days, continuing a familiar pattern of collapses and missed opportunities that has defined their tour.

Ben Stokes’ side showed improved discipline with the ball in the first innings of the third Test, but once again failed to apply sustained pressure when it mattered most. Australia’s middle order made England pay, with contributions throughout the lineup underlining the gulf between the two sides. England are expected to make changes once more in search of a spark, with rotation likely as fatigue begins to show in a long and bruising tour.

Australia, by contrast, head to Melbourne in buoyant mood. Pat Cummins’ men have looked increasingly assured as the series has progressed, combining relentless pace bowling with an increasingly ruthless batting unit. Having already retained the Ashes, there may be talk of rotation, but Australia are unlikely to take their foot off the gas at a venue where they traditionally dominate. With the Boxing Day Test carrying its own prestige, the hosts will be keen to maintain momentum and push England closer to a whitewash.

From a series perspective, the focus has now shifted firmly to whether England can avoid a clean sweep. With confidence drained and consistency hard to come by, the tourists face an uphill battle to prevent Australia from extending their dominance in Melbourne and Sydney.

Cian Cheesbrough of Ladbrokes said:

Australia have been a class apart all series, and with the Ashes already secured, the signs point towards them finishing the job in ruthless fashion. England are playing for pride now, but the momentum is firmly with the hosts.

Australia expected squad

• Travis Head

• Jake Weatherald

• Marnus Labuschagne

• Steve Smith (C)

• Cameron Green

• Josh Inglis

• Alex Carey (WK)

• Mitchell Starc

• Pat Cummins

• Nathan Lyon

• Scott Boland

England expected squad

• Zak Crawley

• Ben Duckett

• Ollie Pope

• Joe Root

• Harry Brook

• Ben Stokes (C)

• Jamie Smith (WK)

• Will Jacks

• Brydon Carse

• Jofra Archer

• Josh Tongue

Australia vs England fourth Test prediction

With the Ashes already decided, England’s focus now turns to avoiding a demoralising whitewash, but there has been little in the series so far to suggest they can suddenly turn the tide. Australia’s bowlers continue to expose England’s fragile batting order, while the hosts’ depth has ensured they rarely let winning positions slip.

The MCG may offer England a slightly better chance of staying competitive, but Australia’s confidence, home advantage and superior execution make them favourites once again. We’re expecting the hosts to continue their dominance and move one step closer to a series clean sweep, with England once more left searching for positives in defeat.

View the latest cricket odds here.

All information is correct as of the date of publication.