Australia vs Pakistan Boxing Day Test live stream: Preview, live score, how to watch on TV or online

Australia and Pakistan will lock horns in the traditional Boxing Day Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) starting Sunday.

The Australians escaped the first Test at the Gabba with a 39-run victory after Pakistan's batsmen, led by Asad Shafiq, nearly pulled off a world record fourth innings run-chase of 490 runs.

Asad Shafiq (137) scored a sublime century and was ably supported Yasir Shah (33) until a bouncer from Mitchell Starc (4-119) followed by a run out helped the home team leave Brisbane with a 1-0 series lead. Even though Steve Smith's men left Gabba breathing a sigh of relief, the young Pakistan squad is determined to level the three-match series in Melbourne.

And Shafiq, Pakistan's hero in Brisbane, realises the importance of the MCG Test. which will be staged in front of a massive Boxing Day crowd. "We know the importance of the game. It's a big Test match, the Boxing Day one. We all grew up watching this match in Pakistan. We know the value of this Test.

"We will feel it (the pressure) a little because we probably haven't played in front of such a big crowd. And this ground has a really prestigious history and playing here is a big honour for me, for everyone but especially for those playing here for the first time there is also a lot of excitement. But the way we played that first Test, we're very united and are hopeful that we can get a good result in the next two Tests," Shafiq said on Friday, via ESPNCricinfo.com.

Australia vs Pakistan Boxing Day Test: Hilton Cartwright could make debut

Meanwhile, the Australians have called up all-rounder Hilton Cartwright into the squad for Melbourne but are expected to field the same playing XI with coach Darren Lehmann supporting under-fire No.6 batsman Nic Maddinson. However, several reports suggest that Australia could make a last-minute call to hand Cartwright a Test debut.

Mitchell Starc, who has emerged as Australia's No.1 fast bowler over the last 12 months, will be playing his first-ever Boxing Day Test. In 2012, the left-arm quick was rested; in 2013, he missed the entire Ashes series due to a stress fracture; in 2014, he was dropped in favour of Ryan Harris; and last year, he missed the annual Melbourne Test match due to an ankle injury. Starc will finally be gracing Test cricket's biggest stage.

"There's a few of us in the rooms that are yet to play one (Test). Personally, as a kid growing up watching the Boxing Day Test, it's always been a dream of mine to play in front of a full house at the MCG on Boxing Day. If I get the chance this week, I'll tick that one off and it'll be a fantastic experience to walk out and sing that anthem. To play a Boxing Day Test will be pretty special," Starc said on Friday.

Australia vs Pakistan Boxing Day Test live stream: How to watch

Start time: 9.30 AM (AEST), 10.30 AM (AEDT)
On TV: Channel Nine Network
Live Stream: Cricket Australia live Pass