Australia have reshuffled their squad ahead of the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with new faces being brought in for the highly anticipated showdown. Australia have called up Victorian off-spinner Todd Murphy following Nathan Lyon’s injury during the third Test.
Lyon suffered a torn right hamstring while diving to stop a boundary on the final day in Adelaide and will undergo surgery, ruling him out of the remainder of the series. Murphy earned his recall after edging out Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli. Australia have also recalled fast bowler Jhye Richardson, strengthening their pace options.
Steve Smith is set to return as captain following recovery from inner-ear issues that put him out of action in Adelaide. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins will miss the Boxing Day Test as part of a workload management plan. Although Cummins starred in Adelaide with a six-wicket haul on his return from a back injury, Australia are prioritising his fitness.
Australia squad for fourth Ashes 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