One of the outstanding sports venues in the world, built next to Melbourne's skyscrapers and office blocks, the MCG can house over 100,000 spectators.
It was the centrepiece for the 1956 Olympics and 2006 Commonwealth Games and hosted Olympic football in 2000.
The light towers, installed in 1985, are the highest at any sporting venue.
There were some difficult wickets here in the 1980s and 1990s, but nowadays it usually produces a nigh-on ideal wicket for Tests - true bounce and some pace.
Inside track: "They generally tend to be good batting wickets but they also do take spin later in the game" - Victoria batsman David Hussey.
Barmy Army tip: Fitzroy is the trendiest suburb in town, but St Kilda retains a faded charm and is also worth checking out. Some wonderful Chinese restaurants.
England's record here: Almost as unpredictable as the Melbourne weather, but the 1986-87 Ashes was sealed with a win here - Gladstone Small was one of the heroes.
2006
December 26-30 4th Test
Play starts 2330 GMT (from 25 Dec)
2007
12 January VB Series ODI v Australia(d/n) Play starts 0315 GMT
9 February 1st VB Series final (d/n) Play starts 0315 GMT
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