Australia have been dealt a significant personnel change ahead of the Boxing Day Test, with captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon both ruled out for the remainder of the Ashes series against England.
The duo, who combined to take 11 wickets in the decisive third Test in Adelaide, will not feature in the fourth or fifth Tests as Australia manage injuries with the series already secured.
Cummins Rested After Rushing Back from Injury
Captain Pat Cummins will be rested for the final two Tests after accelerating his recovery from a back injury in order to play a key role in the third Test. The fast bowler had condensed a rehabilitation period that would normally take three to four months into just six or seven weeks to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
With Australia now holding an unassailable 3-0 series lead, selectors have opted not to risk the 32-year-old’s long-term fitness.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the decision was made with Cummins’ future workload in mind, including the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, which begins in February.
“We were taking on some risk,” McDonald said. “We’ve now won the series and that was the goal. To jeopardise him long-term is not something we want to do.”
Jhye Richardson has been added to the squad as Cummins’ replacement.
Nathan Lyon Faces Long Recovery After Hamstring Surgery
Spinner Nathan Lyon has also been ruled out after undergoing surgery on the hamstring injury he sustained during the third Test. The 38-year-old was injured while making a diving stop on the boundary in Adelaide, cutting short a strong return that saw him take five wickets in the match.
There is currently no timeframe for Lyon’s recovery, marking the second time he has been forced to miss part of an Ashes series due to injury, having suffered a calf issue during the 2023 contest in England.
“He’s pretty shattered,” McDonald admitted. “He’s facing a long recovery, but he’ll remain around the team.”
Todd Murphy comes into the side as Lyon’s replacement.
Steve Smith Returns as Stand-In Captain
With Cummins unavailable, Steve Smith once again takes on the captaincy, returning to the role he has filled previously in Cummins’ absence. Smith missed the third Test through illness but is now fit to play in Melbourne.
His return is likely to trigger further changes to Australia’s batting order. Usman Khawaja, who scored 82 and 40 in Adelaide after a late recall, is expected to retain his place, potentially at the expense of Josh Inglis.
A reshaped middle order could see:
- Khawaja batting at number five
- Wicketkeeper Alex Carey at six
- All-rounder Cameron Green at seven
Australia Squad for Fourth Ashes Test
Australia squad – Fourth Test (Melbourne):
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.
Australia will aim to move closer to a 5-0 Ashes clean sweep when the fourth Test begins on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
England Prepare Changes for Boxing Day Test
England trained at the MCG on Tuesday and are expected to make at least two changes as they attempt to avoid a whitewash.
Jacob Bethell could replace Ollie Pope at number three, while fast bowler Brydon Carse may make way for either Gus Atkinson or Matthew Potts.
With pride and momentum at stake, England face a daunting task against an Australia side still rich in depth despite the absence of two senior stars.
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