The Ashes: England to have two days off ahead of fourth Test
England will resume training on Sunday for the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground after having Friday and Saturday off.
- Associated Press
- Updated: December 20, 2013 03:33 PM IST
England's cricketers will have Friday and Saturday off before resuming training at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in preparation for next week's fourth Ashes Test. Australia regained the Ashes with their third consecutive win in the five-Test series at Perth's WACA Ground on Monday. (Click here for full Ashes coverage)
England allrounder Ben Stokes, who scored his first Test century in the Perth match, says he's looking forward to playing before a sold-out first-day crowd on December 26. Stokes, who scored 120 runs, says "there's still a lot to play for: personal pride, playing in front of 100,000 at the MCG. I don't think that will take much getting up for." (Also read: Clarke calls Watson a team man)
Australia captain Michael Clarke says complacency will not set in as the home side attempts to improve from No. 5 in the world Test rankings. "I am going to enjoy 3-0 for as long as I can. I am going to enjoy this feeling, but I can guarantee you there won't be any complacency. We will turn up in Melbourne 100 percent ready to go and be doing everything we have done in the first three Test matches," Clarke said.