Bairstow, Panesar, Rankin likely to play in Boxing Day Test against Oz

England is poised to make up to three changes to the team that meekly surrendered the Ashes in Perth last week, according to reports.

According to News.com.au, left-arm tweaker Monty Panesar will be rushed from Sydney grade cricket back into the fray after Graeme Swann's shock retirement on Sunday.

However, as the tourists went through a demanding first training session at the MCG on Sunday, two more switches became distinct possibilities, the report said.

Jonny Bairstow, who has batted well in limited opportunities on tour, was heavily involved with the gloves during fielding practice and took additional practice after the main session, appearing to try to familiarise himself with the backdrop of the giant stands, the report added.

With regular wicketkeeper Matt Prior going through the batting horrors and coming off a bad Test with the gloves in Perth, a change to bolster the feeble England middle-order seems likely, the report further said.

Boyd Rankin could replace Stuart Broad who was badly hampered by a foot injury during the last Test match.