Andrew Strauss mulls over Melbourne changes

England captain Andrew Strauss has not ruled out making changes to the team for the vital fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne, Australia which starts on Boxing Day.



Ian Bell could move up the order from number six, while the bowling may come under scrutiny after Australia squared the series with a 267-run win in Perth.

Strauss says he will not rule out changes. However, it is not a time for panic and the players have to keep a cool head.



Former England skipper Michael Vaughan, now a BBC Test Match Special summariser, has called for Ian Bell to be rewarded for his impressive form by being promoted up the batting order.



The Warwickshire man has 213 runs in four innings in the series, despite often getting stranded batting with the tail.



Meanwhile, Paul Collingwood, who bats one place above Bell at five, has mustered only 62 runs.



England could consider bringing in Middlesex batsman Eoin Morgan for Collingwood, while in the bowling department seamers Tim Bresnan and Ajmal Shahzad are waiting in the wings.



Steven Finn gave up more than five runs an over throughout the match, while spinner Graeme Swann failed to take a wicket in Australia's second innings - and bowled only 25 of the 162 overs England sent down in the match.



England, who came into the match leading the series 1-0 after an innings victory in Adelaide, lost their last five wickets in 50 minutes yesterday as Australia rounded off a comprehensive victory to draw level at 1-1 with two matches to play.



Having bowled the hosts out for 268 on day one, England collapsed from 78 without 0 to 187 all out in their first innings. The Aussies posted 309 second time round before dismissing England for 123.