England fans flock to fourth Test

England have been followed by a large band of travelling fans

Thousands of England fans are expected in Melbourne, as part of a record crowd of 100,000 for the first day of the fourth Ashes Test.

Despite ticket restrictions, England have been followed by large groups of vocal fans in their first three games.

Around 2,500 supporters shared a Christmas Day barbecue organised by the Barmy Army by Melbourne's Yarra River.

"They are going to Australia for a party," said Barmy Army co-founder David Peacock.

News conference: England captain Andrew Flintoff

"We lost the Ashes at Perth and it was the Barmy Army who were singing for over an hour until the boys came out."

Captain Andrew Flintoff wants England to repay the support by avoiding an Ashes whitewash.

"They have supported us over the three games - it would be nice to give them something back," he said.

"As well as playing for ourselves and the country we want to play for the supporters who have made the trip.

"The occasion of Boxing Day at Melbourne is huge and we want to show we can win out here."

Flintoff has plenty of experience of Christmas Day on tour in the past and does not expect the festivities to affect team preparations for the game the following morning.

Players' wives and families have been with the touring party since the start of the series.

"I'll get up on the 25th and open presents with the kids and then put my kit on and go and practice - that's just the way it happens," Flintoff stressed.

"It's Christmas, but we're here to do a job and we're here to play cricket and we'll enjoy our Christmas Day but the focus will be Boxing Day rather than my turkey!"

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