Despite mounting injury concerns, Australia remain firm favourites to complete a 5–0 whitewash against England in the home Ashes series. Having already sealed the contest 3–0, the hosts now head into the final two Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and in Sydney with momentum firmly on their side.
Pat Cummins rested, Lyon ruled out as Australia reshuffle for Boxing Day Test
Australia have finally been forced into significant changes in what has otherwise been a brutally one-sided Ashes series. For the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, the hosts will be without two key architects of their dominance, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, as they push to close out a clean sweep.
Cummins has been rested as he continues to manage a back issue that surfaced earlier this year. The Australia captain had hinted after the third Test that a return in Melbourne was unlikely, and selectors have opted for a cautious approach with one eye on the Sydney Test and a packed 2026 calendar that includes the T20 World Cup and the IPL. Notably, Australia have already shown their depth, winning the Gabba Test without Cummins, who has featured in just one of the three matches so far.
Lyon, meanwhile, has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring tear while fielding on the final day in Adelaide. The 38-year-old is expected to undergo surgery and could be sidelined for several months, though Australia are not scheduled to play another Test until later in the year. Todd Murphy has been named as his replacement, edging out Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli. The Victorian off-spinner will play his first Test on home soil, having previously impressed during Lyon’s injury layoff in the 2023 Ashes and on debut in India.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson has also earned a recall and is in contention to replace Cummins in the XI. The Western Australian quick has not played a Test in over four years due to recurring injuries but has returned smoothly to competitive cricket. He will vie with Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett for a place in the playing eleven.
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 sidelined, Steve Smith is set to lead the side again, provided he is fully fit after the vertigo episode that ruled him out of the third Test. His return could force a tough selection call, with Usman Khawaja and Josh Inglis among the players most likely to feel the squeeze.
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