Australia have been dealt two major injury setbacks ahead of the highly anticipated Boxing Day Ashes Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon both ruled out of the fourth Test of the series.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday that Cummins will miss the match as part of his ongoing injury management plan, while Lyon is set to undergo surgery after suffering a torn hamstring. The developments have forced selectors into significant squad changes just days before the Boxing Day Ashes Test begins on Friday.
Pat Cummins’ absence from the Boxing Day Ashes Test was expected after the fast bowler struggled with lower back issues earlier in the year. Although he returned to action in Adelaide, Cricket Australia opted to rest the skipper to avoid aggravating the injury.
Australia Squad for Boxing Day Ashes Test
- Match: Boxing Day Ashes Test
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Captain: Steve Smith
- Major Absentees: Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon
- New Inclusions: Todd Murphy, Jhye Richardson
- Spin Option: Todd Murphy
- Key Pacers: Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland
- Squad Size: 15 players
Cummins is still likely to return for the final Test in Sydney in early January. In his absence, Steve Smith will once again captain Australia, having previously led the side in the opening two Tests of the series.
Australia have already retained the Ashes after dominant victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, but Cummins’ leadership and bowling firepower will still be missed in the Boxing Day Ashes Test.
Nathan Lyon’s injury is the more serious of the two blows ahead of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. The 38-year-old spinner suffered a torn right hamstring while attempting to save a boundary on the final day of the Adelaide Test.
Lyon was visibly hampered and was forced to leave the field. Subsequent scans confirmed the need for surgery, ruling him out for an extended period. His absence leaves a significant void in Australia’s bowling attack for the Boxing Day Ashes Test.
Despite the injury, Lyon reached a major milestone in Adelaide, claiming his 564th Test wicket to move ahead of Glenn McGrath on the all-time list.
Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson Added to Squad
With Lyon unavailable, selectors have turned to Todd Murphy as his replacement for the Boxing Day Ashes Test. The 25-year-old off-spinner is set to play his first home Test, having previously featured in seven matches overseas.
Murphy was preferred ahead of Matt Kuhnemann, Corey Rocchiccioli, and Mitchell Swepson. His familiarity with the MCG conditions, where he has performed well in Sheffield Shield cricket, worked in his favor.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson has also been named in the 15-man squad, marking a potential return to Test cricket after four years. Richardson has undergone multiple shoulder surgeries and will compete with Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett for a spot in the XI.
Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc are expected to lead Australia’s pace attack in the Boxing Day Ashes Test, having recovered well from the Adelaide match. The absence of Cummins opens up one position, with selectors weighing up form, fitness, and workload management.
Australia may rotate their bowling resources given the packed schedule, but maintaining intensity remains key despite already retaining the Ashes.
The absence of both Cummins and Lyon significantly changes the complexion of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. While Australia remain in a strong position in the series, England will see this as an opportunity to exploit a slightly weakened bowling unit.
For Australia, the match also serves as a chance to test squad depth and give valuable experience to players like Murphy and Richardson ahead of future Test campaigns.
FAQs
Q1: Why is Pat Cummins missing the Boxing Day Ashes Test?
Pat Cummins is being rested as part of an ongoing management plan for his back injury.
Q2: What injury has ruled Nathan Lyon out of the Boxing Day Ashes Test?
Nathan Lyon suffered a torn right hamstring and will undergo surgery, sidelining him for an extended period.
Q3: Who will replace Nathan Lyon in the Boxing Day Ashes Test?
Todd Murphy has been named as Lyon’s replacement in Australia’s squad.
Q4: Who will captain Australia in the Boxing Day Ashes Test?
Steve Smith will captain Australia in Cummins’ absence.
Q5: Has Australia already won the Ashes series?
Yes, Australia have retained the Ashes after winning the first three Tests.
Q6: Where is the Boxing Day Ashes Test being played?
The match will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.