Empathy for the English cricket team from what may seem an unlikely source

The tourists continue to come under fire heading into the Boxing Day test against Australia in Melbourne - having lost the first three matches to end their Ashes challenge with two games to spare.

Australian batting star Steve Smith - who has faced his fair share of scrutiny during a 15-year international career - says he knows the pressure the England side are under.



The hosts won't play a specialist spinner - with the seam bowling trio of Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser contesting the final two spots in the starting 11.