No place to hide on a day of blood, sweat and beers FOR those who have never played a Boxing Day Test, it's hard to convey just how exciting it is. The noise, the sweat, the smell of beer and roar of people baying for blood. And that's just the Australian dressing room. Then you step on to the ground for the national anthem, which is always an emotional moment. In fact, over in Perth I saw big Pete Siddle almost choke up, although it subsequently turned out that a bit of banana had gone down the wrong way. This Test sees the unveiling of the MCG's new scoreboard. It's double the size of the old one and I'm told it can run up to four beer ads simultaneously, which is quite incredible. Scores may also appear from time to time. It's been a fabulous series so far, played in good spirits. Yes, we've had on-field clashes but the only reason people know about these is because Channel 9 keeps leaving the stump mics on. If you ask me our private conversations should not be listened in to. Now I know how the Indonesians must feel. It's hard to believe we're 3-nil up and talking about a series whitewash because 12 months ago we were facing all sorts of obstacles: injuries, infighting, Mickey Arthur. But as a wise man once said (it was either Gandhi or Merv Hughes) in order to improve you have to first admit you have a problem. And that's exactly what I did. After the last series loss in England I looked my teammates squarely in the eye and said "you're the problem." Funnily enough, I haven't played a match since. Just because we're going into this match three-nil up doesn't mean we're taking the Poms lightly. As Pup said at Tuesday's optional training session, "there's no room for complacency," a sentiment echoed by the four of us who had shown up. That said, the England team does seem to be struggling right now with players out of form or opting for early retirement. England's latest loss, Graeme Swann, said it would be wrong for him to continue knowing that he was no longer capable of bowling England to victory. On that logic you'd have to ask what Bresnan and Stokes are still doing in the team. Then there's their injury woes, especially to paceman Stuart Broad who was hit on the toe by Mitch Johnson in Perth. Broad had scans after the match and was given the news he was dreading: "There's no fracture and you're fit to continue the tour." We Aussies, on the other hand, are injury-free (apart from a few lingering hangovers) and boast a very settled line-up. Obviously for blokes such as myself trying to break back into the team that can be frustrating but all we can do is wait and hope for someone to get injured. And with Watto bowling again, that shouldn't be more than a few weeks away. THE build-up over the past few days has been quite intense. While most Aussies were tucking into their roast turkey on Christmas Day, we were hard at work in the nets. Training drills followed by a solid workout. Then it was back to the team hotel where we were joined by wives/girlfriends and kids for the traditional team lunch. Having family members at the table meant that there was less talking "shop" and the language was toned down. A few of the boys even went outside to smoke. Understandably the kids were very excited, especially when word got out that a very special "Fat Man" was about to arrive. You should have seen the look on their faces when Darren Lehmann walked in. One of the most common questions I'm asked by fans is "what do you players do in the dressing room before a big match?." Now I'm not about to lift the lid on our private team rituals (especially as several of them are currently the subject of ASADA proceedings) but I can tell you that everyone has different ways of dealing with pre-match nerves. For some, it's positive visualisation exercises set by our team psychologist. For me, it's a quick fag on the dunny. Then it's time to head out on to the ground and do battle. They tell me there could be 90,000 at the 'G today, maybe more if the three remaining members of the Barmy Army still in the country are willing to show their faces. And, as usual, they'll come from all walks of life. We'll have the MCC members in their jackets and ties while, directly opposite in the outer there'll be fans in their Aussie singlets and electronic ankle bracelets all enjoying the action. But wherever you're sitting, we'll be ready to put on a show. Pup's talking victory within three days. I've got money on an England fightback so, either way, it'll be a win for W. Todd. Hope you get to enjoy it. Warwick Todd is an Australian Test legend - in his own mind.