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Christmas and birthday all rolled into one

Alastair Cook will be hoping for a very happy birthday at the fourth Test in Melbourne © Getty Images

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What do Ashes star Alastair Cook, Brazil legend Jairzinho and former F1 driver Wilson Fittipaldi have in common? They were all born on Christmas Day. In this week's festive Top Tens, we take a look at ten sports stars with Christmas birthdays...

Alastair Cook
Christmas is a time to remember a saviour born on December 25. Alastair Cook's double century at Brisbane rescued England from the brink of defeat in the first Test. Spare a thought for the England opener when you are tucking into your Christmas turkey, as he will be spending his 26th birthday in the Melbourne nets ahead of the fourth Test at the MCG. He is no stranger to having to sacrifice his birthday though, having spent five years as a choirboy at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

Chris Kamara
One man full of festive spirit is former Portsmouth and Leeds defender Chris Kamara, who has enjoyed success as a football pundit since retirement. After a Facebook campaign supported by more than 20,000 people, Kamara changed his name by deed poll to Chris Cabanga for the duration of the 2010 World Cup. Cabanga means 'imagine' in Zulu, and scientists claimed saying the word would have a positive impact on a footballer's performance. Presumably the England team didn't get the memo.

Marcus Trescothick
Nicknamed 'Banger' for his love of sausages, Marcus Trescothick was a member of the England team that spent Christmas in Melbourne in 2002 - having already lost the Ashes. Trescothick flew home from the 2006-7 series before the first Test even got underway. After announcing his international retirement in 2008 after struggling with depression, Tresco clearly does not miss spending months away on tour. "I get to watch TV with the kids and spend time with my wife," he said.

Robbie Elliott
The man nicknamed 'the Gosforth Roberto Carlos' is one of few men to have played for both Sunderland and Newcastle. While many would assume it would take a nutter to switch allegiances from the Magpies to their fierce local rivals, Elliott is one of the most intelligent men in football - he has a degree in sports science from Northumbria University and is currently a strength and conditioning coach with US Soccer.

Gary McAllister scored in the UEFA Cup final © Getty Images

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Gary McAllister
Jesus rose from the dead, and McAllister also revived his career in similarly sensational fashion. When Coventry released McAllister in 2000, few could have envisaged that the former Scotland international would go on to win the Treble with Liverpool. Handed a chance by Gerard Houllier, McAllister sealed his place in Kop folklore, scoring one, and playing a key role in three of the five Liverpool goals in a memorable 5-4 UEFA Cup triumph.

Simon Jones
Spare a thought for Simon Jones - not only does former England cricketer have his birthday on Christmas Day, but he has to share it with his twin brother Matthew. Along with Kevin Pietersen, Jones is credited with making cricket sexy. After playing a key role in England's sensational Ashes victory in 2005 - taking 18 wickets in the first four Tests - Jones was offered a modelling contract.

Jairzinho
A force of nature known as 'O Furacao', or the Hurricane, Jair Ventura Filho, better known as Jairzinho was born on December 25, 1944 and went on to become one of the greatest footballers of his generation. The powerful winger was a member of the Brazil team that won the 1970 Mexico World Cup, scoring in every game Brazil played.

Wilson Fittipaldi Jnr
While footballers and cricketers are expected to report for duty on Boxing Day morning, being a Formula One driver has its perks. Fittipaldi was able to enjoy his Christmas birthday in the off-season, but the son of prominent motorsports journalist Wilson Snr, Fittipaldi was destined for life behind a steering wheel. However, he remained in the shadow of his younger brother Emerson, who went on to become double world champion. Fittipaldi's son, Christian, made his F1 debut in 1992 and when he won his first point at the 1992 Japanese Grand Prix, they became the first father and son to both score points in F1.

Rob Edwards
While many women will be hoping that Blackpool defender Rob Edwards will be in their stocking on Christmas morning, Edwards will be avoiding tucking into too much turkey in preparation for Liverpool's visit to Bloomfield Road. The Wales international has made just one appearance for the Seasiders this season, but Edwards will be hoping Ian Holloway hands him a birthday present in the shape of a start against the Reds.

Aaron Ramsey
While not strictly a Christmas baby, Arsenal star Ramsey was born on Boxing Day. The Wales international will be making the trip to the North East on his birthday, when his Nottingham Forest side take on Middlesbrough, with Forest looking to maintain their battle for the play-offs.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.