The latter has dug his team out of many a hole over the past couple of years, and the team management might be inclined to judge his current poor form leniently, but Ponting definitely needs a good series to keep his Test career alive.

WSJ: A Boxing Day Treat to Savor

With two-and-a-half days remaining in the match, Australia needed to bat at least six sessions if they were to stand any chance of keeping the series alive for the final Test in Sydney on 2 January.

BBC: England close in on Ashes victory in Melbourne

But many of the old weaknesses that have dogged the economy in the past are alive and well - and poised to test the chancellor's reputation in the months ahead.

BBC: NEWS | Programmes | Panorama | Testing the Miracle