After all the criticism Brett Lee has copped after the Perth Test, I have some simple advice for him: Just go out there and let it rip.
Brett is a champion, so write him off at your peril.
His mindset though has to be attack, not keep it tight. He must look to take wickets and bowl fast rather than worry about the economy rate.
Sure, bowlers hunt in packs and his new-ball partner, Mitchell Johnson, was outstanding in Perth with 11 wickets.
That was a great achievement, but "Binga" is the leader of the pack and he must show it in Melbourne.
I want him to hit the 150km/h plus mark consistently, not hover in the high-130s.
Let them have it, Binga.
I was disappointed in some of the speculation about the Australian team, and the criticism it received.
Let's remember it was just the first of three Test matches, not a series loss.
Both teams played outstandingly well, but South Africa was just too good over the five days. There is no disgrace in being outplayed.
Rather than nailing the Australians, all credit should be given to Graeme Smith and his men.
Santa delivered an early Christmas present to the tourists with their marvellous run chase on the now not-so-bouncy and fast "flat road" in Perth.
It was an amazing chase and the record books back that up.
As a result, the Melbourne Test is now as much a trial of character as it is of skill.
Australia has been challenged and put on notice by the Proteas - they are here to play and want the No. 1 mantle.
It is a test of the Australian team's spirit, hunger and attitude - how driven and hurt by the loss they are, both individually and as a group.
Australia needs to defend the MCG turf as it never has before and get in the face of the tourists.
The boys need to show quickly that they have put Perth behind them, flushed it down the toilet and moved on.
Melbourne waits with anticipation to see how the Aussie boys are going to bounce back and impose themselves on the South Africans.
Knowing my ex-teammates, they will put in lots of hard work this week and prepare well because Perth would have hurt them deeply.
I have total confidence in Ricky Ponting and the boys. They will come out swinging like a Jeff Fenech haymaker and be ready come Boxing Day.
A few of the Aussie batsmen had starts in Perth but didn't go on as they should have, although Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin and the tail were superb.
Andrew Symonds also found some touch and will be looking forward to returning to Melbourne, where he scored his maiden Test century two years ago.
Ricky will speak a lot to the guys - individually and as a group - about how they can improve and what to expect at the MCG.
The South Africans will be full of confidence leading into the Test and will hope they can continue their momentum from across the Nullarbor.
Body language early in the match is the key and Australia has to be aggressive in everything it does.
Among the criticism of the bowlers, there was a bit said about Jason Krejza's performance.
To me, he bowled well in the first innings but his figures did not reflect that.
In the second innings, it looked as if he lost his plan and was waiting for the batsmen to make a mistake.
But the good players don't make them often; you must out-think them.
Unfortunately, he's missed out for Boxing Day but hopefully he'll bounce back. He's a bit stiff, but I suppose something had to give after Perth.
His role model should be Michael Clarke who, after being dropped a couple of years ago, came back a better player and not only established himself but was made vice-captain.
Although Jason's ego may be a bit bruised, he'll go away and hone his skills with Tassie and come back a better and stronger player.
I can't wait to see the spectacle at the 'G on Friday.
Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia - even Sydney people agree with that. The crowd will be huge and the atmosphere outrageous.
I have such great memories of playing on that day.
The Boxing Day Test is an Australian tradition and should remain as long as we play cricket.
It should never be allowed to be taken away from Australians because it is part of the sporting calendar and up there with the Melbourne Cup, AFL Grand Final and the Grand Prix.
I will be donning the ivory, or maybe the beige, suit with Richie Benaud and co in the Channel 9 commentary box and it will be great to be part of the action.
Have a great Christmas and a safe New Year, and I hope Santa brings you what you want. Especially you, Punter.
- SHANE WARNE