Merry Christmas to all you Australian cricket fans out there, who I am sure are looking forward to the Boxing Day Test match starting at the MCG in the morning nearly as much as I am. As a youngster I have vivid memories of watching my heroes playing Test cricket on Boxing Day in Melbourne so every opportunity I have had to be involved in a Boxing Day test is like a dream come true.

With a traditionally massive and appreciative Melbourne crowd, the feeling out on the ground is very uplifting. The noise is like nothing I have experienced before, except for maybe a Jimmy Barnes concert at the Entertainment Centre. The atmosphere is incredible and with the team playing so well at present, we hope to repay the support with another entertaining display of Test match cricket.

It has been a fun few days for the team with everyone's family being here for the week. Last night we had a fantastic Xmas party at Warney's house, which was enjoyed by all, including all of the kids. It was a great night with Australian football (and fishing) legends Mervyn Hughes, Sam Newman and Rexy Hunt joining in the festivities. In every State we have invited different sporting heroes to join us for our team dinners and last night it was Sam and Rex who helped inspire the boys for the Test. Pat Rafter, four of the Invincibles, Rechelle Hawkes, Kim Hughes and Rachel Harris have joined us throughout the summer as an initiative by our skipper. It is an excellent idea as it is always interesting to hear from other elite sportsmen and women about their lives in a different field.

Today it was a huge Christmas lunch together at the hotel (with Father Xmas and all) followed by training at the MCG. Admittedly it took a while to get going after lunch but after a decent warm up we had a productive session that has us all charged up for the morning.

Although the final XI won't be announced until the morning I am sure that if Brett Lee is included to make his debut he will be ready for the challenge. Having played against this NSW fireball in a Pura Milk Cup game this week I can testify that this young man is very, very impressive. He reminds me of a youthful Jason Gillespie, in that he not only bowls very fast but he also looks to have phenomenal control of where the ball is going. Add to this an ability to swing the ball late and the ingredients are all there for a very promising career for Mr Brett Lee.

Apart from his bowling ability 'Binger' is also a very nice young man who looks hungry to seek answers for how he can be the fastest bowler in the world. He is receptive and respectful and looks likely to become an important part of the future of Australian cricket. His inclusion in the 12 is a further indication of the depth and strength of the Australian cricket stables, which continue to produce future champions. As I have said in a number of my recent postcards this is a very exciting era to be involved with the Australian cricket team.

Whatever way the selectors decide to go we will soon find out, but I have to say, Michael Kasprowicz will be very unlucky if he misses out on playing this match. He is an integral part of this team who gives his all every time he has a cricket ball in his hand. Being a different type of bowler to Brett Lee, it is encouraging to have a selection dilemma like the selectors have for tomorrow. Either way it can only be a major positive as we look to win our sixth consecutive Test match over the next five days.

Let's hope the Melbourne weather is as kind to us as is the support from the sport-loving supporters here in Melbourne.

Merry Christmas, JL