After sealing the Ashes series with a dominant 3–0 lead, Australia have opted to rotate their squad for the fourth Test against England, the traditional Boxing Day Test, which begins on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
As per the squad list shared on social media by Cricket Australia, Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson have been added to Australia’s 15-member squad. Murphy replaces veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who is set to undergo surgery after tearing his right hamstring while diving to stop a boundary on the final day of Australia’s Ashes-sealing third Test.
Murphy edged out Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli for the vacancy. The off-spinner has featured in seven Tests for Australia, with his most recent appearance coming earlier this year against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Cricket Australia also confirmed on Tuesday that Steve Smith is expected to resume the captaincy for the Boxing Day Test, subject to medical clearance from the inner-ear issue that ruled him out of the Adelaide Test. Regular skipper Pat Cummins will sit out the match.
Jhye Richardson is in contention to replace Cummins after returning from injury and training with the squad during the opening three Tests. The right-arm quick has played just three Tests due to an injury-hit career, with his most recent appearance coming against England in Adelaide in 2021.
The 29-year-old underwent his third shoulder surgery earlier this year and has gradually increased his bowling workload in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, all-rounders Michael Neser and Beau Webster, along with backup fast bowler Brendan Doggett, have retained their places in the squad despite missing out on selection for the third Test, which Australia won by 82 runs to secure an unassailable lead in the series.
The Boxing Day Test is one of cricket’s most iconic fixtures, held annually at the MCG and beginning on December 26 during the Australian summer.
Australia squad (Fourth Test / Boxing Day Test)
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
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