Australia Announce Squad For 4th Ashes Test; Steve Smith To Lead As Lyon, Cummins Ruled Out

Australia has announced their squad for the Boxing Day Test against England with Steve Smith in the helm to lead again.

Australia has called up off-spinner Todd Murphy and fast bowler Jhye Richardson to its squad for the Boxing Day Test. The moves come as veteran spinner Nathan Lyon requires surgery on his torn hamstring, ruling him out of the remainder of the series.

Steve Smith will return to captain the side, pending his recovery, while Pat Cummins is being managed and will miss the Melbourne match following the team’s series-clinching 3-0 lead.

Murphy, who last played a Test in Sri Lanka, earned his recall ahead of other spinning options. “Victorian Todd Murphy is in line for a dream home debut after being called up to Australia’s squad for the fourth Ashes Test alongside fast bowler Jhye Richardson,” the report from Cricket Australia confirmed.

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Murphy And Jhye Returns With Lyon’s Exit

On Lyon’s absence, a Cricket Australia statement said the off-spinner “would require surgery after tearing his right hamstring.” His recovery is expected to be lengthy, with Australia’s next Test series not until mid-next year.

Murphy, with 22 wickets in seven overseas Tests, recently took three wickets for Australia A against the England Lions. His Sheffield Shield form this season, including a crucial 3-17, bolstered his case. Richardson’s inclusion marks a potential end to a four-year Test absence. Effectively, he recovered from shoulder surgery and impressed in the Australia A match, where he took five wickets.

Australia squad (fourth Test only)

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