Notably, because his team has already clinched the series, Pat Cummins‘ absence is only preventative. For the fourth game, he will continue to limit his workload by taking it easy. However, since the 2023 Ashes, Lyon has been dealing with a hamstring problem. The veteran bowler’s right hamstring tear brought the problem to light once more. He will now have surgery, which will keep him out for an extended amount of time.
For the fourth Ashes Test match in Melbourne against England, Australia has selected a formidable 15-player team. For the Boxing Day match, which will take place on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Steven Smith will once again captain the hosts. However, they will be without their regular captain Pat Cummins and seasoned off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
As part of his ongoing management strategy, Pat Cummins will not play.
Nathan Lyon will be out for a long time due to surgery for a ruptured right hamstring, Cricket Australia announced in a press statement on Tuesday, December 23.
After a year, Jhye Richardson gets called up.
In the meantime, the Australians have welcomed Jhye Richardson back to their lineup as a substitute for the injured Cummins. The pacer has been a member of the team for precisely one year. He played in the 2024 Boxing Day Test against India, although he had to miss nearly a year of cricket due to surgery on his right shoulder shortly after.
However, since Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland will probably receive assistance from Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett to complete the speed assault, it is uncertain whether Richardson will be given a chance in the final starting lineup for the five-day match. All of the fast bowlers would only be able to play if the hosts decided to go with an all-pace attack and Lyon was excluded.
Australia’s Boxing Day Test squad
Steven Smith (c), Cameron Green, Travis Head, Joshua Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett,
India
