AUS vs ENG: Day 1 session timings for Melbourne test, The Ashes 2025-26

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The fourth AUS vs ENG test of The Ashes 2025-26 will be played at the MCG in Melbourne from December 26 onwards.
Following three consecutive victories in the first three games, Australia Cricket Team are all set to take on England Cricket Team in the fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26. The encounter will commence on December 26 (Friday) at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Stadium (MCG), Melbourne.
The hosts will miss the services of regular captain Pat Cummins in the next encounter as he has been rested to manage his workload. Moreover, spinner Nathan Lyon has been ruled out of the rest of the series after suffering an injury in the previous game while fielding.
Steve Smith, who missed the previous clash due to neck issues, has returned to captain Australia in the Melbourne test. Earlier, he also led the team in the first two games in Pat Cummins’ absence, driving the team to victory by eight wickets in both clashes.
Australia have named their 12 for the Melbourne test, with pacer Jhye Richardson making a comeback to the test team after four years. He last played in 2021 and recently recovered from a prolonged shoulder injury.

Talking about England, they have named their playing XI for the next game with two changes. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the remaining games due to a side strain and has been replaced by Gus Atkinson. Ollie Pope has been dropped and in his place Jacob Bethell will feature in England XI for the Boxing Day test.
AUS vs ENG: What are the session timings for day 1 of the fourth test at Melbourne Cricket Stadium?
The first day of the fourth AUS vs ENG test will begin at 5:00 AM IST on December 26 (Friday), with the first session finishing at 7:00 AM. It will be followed by a 40-minute break. The second session will take place from 7:40 AM to 9:40 AM, followed by a 20-minute tea break. The third session will be played from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There is 30 minute extra time to cover the daily quota of overs.
| Session | Indian Standard Time (IST) | Local time | GMT |
| 1st session | 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM | 11:30 PM to 1:30 AM |
| Lunch Break | 7:00 AM to 7:40 AM | 12:30 PM to 1:10 PM | 1:30 AM to 2:10 AM |
| 2nd session | 7:40 AM to 9:40 AM | 1:10 PM to 3:10 PM | 2:10 AM to 4:10 AM |
| Tea Break | 9:40 AM to 10:00 AM | 3:10 PM to 3:30 PM | 4:10 AM to 4:30 AM |
| 3rd session | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM | 4:30 AM to 6:30 AM |
| Half-hour extension | 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM | 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM | 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM |
1st session: 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM (IST) | 11:30 PM to 1:30 AM (GMT) | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Local Time)
Lunch Break: 7:00 AM to 7:40 AM (IST) | 1:30 AM to 2:10 AM (GMT) | 12:30 PM to 1:10 PM (Local Time)
2nd session: 7:40 AM to 9:40 AM (IST) | 2:10 AM to 4:10 AM (GMT) | 1:10 PM to 3:10 PM (Local Time)
Tea Break: 9:40 PM to 10 AM (IST) | 4:10 AM to 4:30 AM (GMT) | 3:10 PM to 3:30 PM (Local Time)
3rd session: 10 AM to 12 AM (IST) | 4:30 AM to 6:30 AM (GMT) | 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Local Time)
Half-hour extension: 12:00 AM to 12:30 AM (IST) | 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM (GMT) | 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM (Local Time)
NOTE: Timings subject to change due to weather conditions/match circumstances
When will the fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26 begin?
The fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26 will begin on December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
Who is leading The Ashes 2025-26?
Australia lead the five-match series 3-0 after three matches.
What is the venue for the fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26?
The venue for the fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26 is Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.
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