Despite huge injury problems, Australia appear to be favorites to demolish England 5-0 in the Ashes series at home. They have already won it 3-0, and there are only two Tests left: at MCG and in Sydney.
Australia finally blinked in an Ashes series that was otherwise 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 also won the Gabba Test without them, while Cummins only played one of the three Tests. However, the Australians were a far superior team. Not to forget, Australia is already without Josh Hazlewood, perhaps the best bowler in all formats after Jasprit Bumrah.
Cummins rested, Lyon ruled out in Australian reshuffle
Captain Pat Cummins was rested from the Boxing Day Test as he continues to deal with a back problem which flared up earlier this year. Cummins admitted after the third Test that Melbourne was unlikely, and the selectors took the conservative route, keeping an eye on Sydney and the long year ahead which includes the T20 World Cup and IPL 2026.
Nathan Lyon, meanwhile, is a confirmed absentee after tearing his hamstring while diving onto the field on the final day in Adelaide. The 38-year-old is expected to undergo surgery and could be out for several months, although Australia will not play another Test until later in the year.
Todd Murphy was named Lyon’s replacement, winning the selection battle ahead of Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli. The Victorian off-spinner will play his first Test at home, having previously impressed during Lyon’s injury absence during the 2023 Ashes and on his India debut.
Jhye Richardson was also recalled, stepping into the frame to replace Cummins in the XI. The West Australian quick has not played a Test for 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.
Australian 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 expected to captain again, provided he is fully fit after the bout of dizziness that ruled him out of the third Test. His return would trigger another tough call for the selectors, with Usman Khawaja and Josh Inglis most likely to be rushed.
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