Australia will take to the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground without two of their most experienced performers after Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon were ruled out of the Boxing Day Test, with selectors picking Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson as part of a reshuffled squad.
Lyon’s absence was confirmed on Tuesday after scans revealed he would need surgery on a torn right hamstring. an injury he sustained while diving to save the frontier on the final day of Australia’s Ashes-clinching victory in Adelaide. The veteran off-spinner is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, with Australia’s next Test assignment not scheduled until the middle of next year against Bangladesh in the Top End.
Cummins, meanwhile, rested as part of a workload management plan. The fast bowler made a strong comeback from a back problem in Adelaide to take six wickets, but Australia already hold an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series and have been given a break. His availability for the Sydney Test will be assessed closer to the match.
Steve Smith is set to return as captain after missing the third Test due to an inner ear problem. His comeback adds stability to a side that will otherwise look a bit different from the one that sealed the streak.
Victorian racer Todd Murphy is eyeing a dream home appearance on Boxing Day after being recalled to replace Lyon. Murphy last played a Test in Sri Lanka earlier this year and is yet to feature in a home Test. He has taken 22 wickets in seven Tests, all overseas, and recently impressed for Australia A against the England Lions as well as the Sheffield Shield, taking 10 wickets at an average of 23.70 this season.
West Australian quick Jhye Richardson was also added to the squad, putting them in contention for their first Test in four years. Richardson has worked his way back from a third shoulder operation and has built up his bowling load in recent weeks. He took five wickets against the England Lions earlier this month and trained with the team throughout the series.
Australia can still opt to play without a specialist spinner at the MCG as they did earlier in the series. All-rounder Beau Webster offers off-spin alongside his medium pace, while Travis Head has also filled the part-time role in the past.
Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc are expected to be watched closely after heavy workloads in the series so far, although both have done well after Adelaide. Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett, who impressed when called up earlier in the summer, remain in the squad.
The fourth Test begins at the MCG on December 26, with Australia looking to press home their advantage despite notable absences.
Australia squad for fourth test: Steve Smith (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
December 23, 2025
