Australia have finally blinked in an Ashes series that has otherwise been brutally one-sided. For the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the hosts will be without two pillars of their dominance, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, as they look to close out a 5–0 whitewash against England.
However, they won the Gabba Test without them as well, while Cummins has played just one of the three Tests. Yet, the Aussies have been a far superior side. Not to mention that Australia are already without Josh Hazlewood, perhaps the best all-format bowler after Jasprit Bumrah.
Cummins rested, Lyon ruled out as Australia reshuffle
Captain Pat Cummins has been rested from the Boxing Day Test as he continues to manage a back issue that flared up earlier this year. Cummins admitted after the third Test that Melbourne was unlikely, and the selectors have taken the conservative route, keeping one eye on Sydney and the long year ahead that includes the T20 World Cup and the IPL 2026.
Nathan Lyon, meanwhile, is a confirmed absentee after tearing his hamstring while diving in the field on the final day in Adelaide. The 38-year-old is expected to undergo surgery and could be sidelined for several months, although Australia do not play another Test until later in the year.
Todd Murphy has been named as Lyon’s replacement, winning the selection battle ahead of Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli. The Victorian off-spinner will play his first Test on home soil, having impressed previously during Lyon’s injury absence in the 2023 Ashes and on debut in India.
Jhye Richardson has also been recalled, putting himself in the frame to replace Cummins in the XI. The Western Australian quick has not played a Test in more than four years due to injuries, but his recent return to cricket has been smooth. He will compete with Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett for a spot.
Australia Test squad for 4th Test at MCG
Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
With Cummins missing, Steve Smith is set to captain again, provided he is fully fit after the vertigo episode that ruled him out of the third Test. His return would trigger another tough call for the selectors, with Usman Khawaja and Josh Inglis the most likely to be squeezed.
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