Australia shouldn't get carried away after thrilling Test win over India - here's how England can exploit their biggest weakness in the Ashes
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Victory for Australia on Monday in front of a monstrous Melbourne crowd summed up the size of the task awaiting England Down Under next winter. India had snuck their way to 112 for three going into the final session of an enthralling Test that drew an Australian record attendance of 373,691 across the five days, surpassing the aggregate that watched the 1936-37 Ashes match at the same venue.
![[They remain a major force and England will have their work cut out in next year's Ashes]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/23/93602145-14237487-image-m-53_1735603066257.jpg)
But the tourists’ batting imploded after Rishabh Pant was suckered by Travis Head’s occasional off-spin and, roared on by the majority of the near 75,000 crowd on the final evening, Australia hurtled to a 184-run success that puts them on the cusp of qualifying for another World Test Championship final.
![[But Australia have an ageing bowling attack, including Mitchell Starc (pictured), who have been battling with niggling injuries in recent times]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/23/93602143-14237487-image-a-54_1735603097418.jpg)
Another win for Pat Cummins’ team over India in Sydney next week would guarantee them the chance to defend their title against South Africa at Lord’s in June. Once again, it was their bowlers who sealed the deal. This current set-up contains four of Australia’s top 10 most prolific of all time in Tests plus the dependable Scott Boland, currently in the line-up due to an injury to Josh Hazlewood, as first reserve.
![[England have found two promising bowlers in Gus Atkinson (left) and Brydon Carse (right) who can shine in Australia]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/30/23/93602149-14237487-image-m-64_1735603183762.jpg)
England know all about the perils of facing Boland at the MCG. Three years ago, he finished with six for seven on debut — a performance that allowed Australia to wrap up the Ashes by lunch on day three of the third Test. Australia claimed a famous win over India in the Boxing Day Test on Monday.
![[Australia also have issues with their batting line-up, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (pictured) struggling for runs, and England could take advantage of this]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/31/00/93602211-14237487-image-a-66_1735603273693.jpg)
