Australia could be without captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the fourth Ashes Test, which begins at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.
Lyon is expected to miss the remainder of the series after suffering a hamstring injury while fielding during Australia’s third-Test win in Adelaide. Cummins is also unlikely to feature in Melbourne as Australia manage his workload following a recent return from injury.
Speaking at a press conference after Australia sealed victory in the third Test and retained the Ashes, Cummins admitted he was doubtful for the Boxing Day clash.
The situation also raises a critical question over leadership. Steve Smith, who captained Australia in the first two Tests, missed the third Test due to illness but is expected to recover ahead of Boxing Day.
Cummins played a key role on his return in Adelaide, taking three wickets in each innings as Australia won by 82 runs, showing no signs of rust. However, with the Ashes secured and just four days between the end of the Adelaide Test and Boxing Day, he is set to sit out the Melbourne Test to manage his body.
Potential replacements for Lyon include Matt Kuhnemann, Todd Murphy, and uncapped Corey Rocchiccioli, while fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are expected to continue if fully fit.
Australia now faces important selection and leadership decisions as they prepare for the Boxing Day Test.
Discussion about this post