West Indies hope to avoid KO blow on Boxing Day

 Under fire from all quarters after an abysmal start to their tour, West Indies have pledged to be more competitive at the traditional Boxing Day Test but will struggle to prevent hosts Australia from taking an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Coming off a three-day trouncing in the opener in Hobart, the tourists make their first appearance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 15 years, with local pundits questioning their stature to play in the marquee Tests of the home summer.
Adding insult to injury, a number of top West Indies players have been competing in Australia's domestic 'Big Bash' Twenty20 tournament, having made themselves unavailable for the three-Test series that resumes on Saturday.
The situation was described as "totally" frustrating by West Indies coach Phil Simmons, who hopes the carnival atmosphere of the Boxing Day match and the widespread criticism of his players can combine to sting Jason Holder's side into action.
There is little in the cupboard for Simmons and the selectors, who will weigh recalling legspinner Devendra Bishoo or uncapped all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite.
By contrast, Steven Smith's emerging Australia side have few concerns, barring the dilemma of fitting top order batsman Usman Khawaja into the side.