For once it was an Englishman who topped the scoring, with Ben Stokes registering a big 230 in only his second game of Test cricket.
The rest of the big points were scored by Australians though. David Warner (216), Mitchell Johnson (195) and Brad Haddin (168) all continued with their amazing form. Meanwhile Shane Watson (181) and Steve Smith (158) both picked up their first triple scores of the season with the bat.
The rest of the bowling attacked performed well for Australia with Siddle (133), Lyon (129) and Harris (124).
Michael Clarke had an uncharacteristically quiet game, scoring the 2nd least amount of points with only 47.
For the English, Tim Bresnan (120) was also solid, and Graeme Swann (119) didn't have the worst final game of Test cricket.
PITCH AND CONDITIONS
There isn't too much word on what the pitch is like yet, but by all accounts it should be a traditional MCG wicket. A good contest between the batsmen and quick bowlers early on, perhaps a little slow, with spin coming into the equation on days 4 and 5. Should be a good contest between bat and ball.
The forecast is pretty similar for all 5 days of the match. The maximum temperatures all hover between 21-29 degrees, and there should be periods of cloud cover and sunshine. There may be a few passing showers, but nothing major to interrupt the match.
TEAM NEWS
The big news here of course, is that Graeme Swann this week announced his immediate retirement from all forms of the game. His exit will open up a spot for Monty Panesar to come back into the side for the last two test matches. He will play unless England flies over another player, which is unlikely at this stage.
There is also speculation coming from inside the England camp that out of form keeper Matt Prior could be dropped for Johnny Bairstow.
Stuart Broad also looks like he will not be available for this test, so one of Chris Tremlett, Steve Finn and Boyd Rankin will get a game. I would think it would be Tremlett, but the selectors might want to blood some youth in Rankin.
The Australians meanwhile still seem settled and look set to name the same XI for the fourth test in a row. The only possible change could come if one of the quick bowlers doesn't get up for the match, but that is unlikely.
CAPTAINCY CORNER
Take your pick here, there are plenty of solid options available. Mitchell Johnson, Brad Haddin, David Warner or Michael Clarke have all proven this series that they are in ripping form and would all be good options.
Victorian Peter Siddle might enjoy a Boxing Day game in front of his home crowd too.
If you are going for an Englishman, Ian Bell would be my choice, or Michael Carberry, who has been impressive and looks like he could go on and make a big score if he can convert one of his starts.
TRADE TABLE
If you have any of Stuart Broad, Matt Prior or Graeme Swann in your team, they need to go. Swann definitely won't play, Broad is extremely unlikely, and Prior is in such bad form that even if he does play, you are wasting a lot of points by not having Brad Haddin.
Ben Stokes is a solid all-rounder replacement, and Monty Panesar will play if you need an English bowler. Any of Siddle, Harris and Johnson are better replacements if you have the room to add in another Aussie.
Congratulations this week to Zeus with Lightningboltzzz top scoring in our SuperCoach HQ league. He scored 1,591 points, and also moved up to first place on the ladder. He is only 94 points ahead of Lav's Legends in second place, so the last two tests will be important in deciding our winner!
Remember that if you want to join in on the fun, you can still join our league at any time with the code 502963 at http://cricketdreamteam.sportal.com.au