Australia’s Ashes campaign will continue without skipper Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who were ruled out of the final two Tests, with Lyon set for surgery and Cummins managing a back issue. Quick bowler Jhye Richardson and spinner Todd Murphy have been named as cover in the 15-man squad for the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Despite the absences, Australia has already secured the Ashes with dominant wins in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Cummins “won’t play any part in the rest of the series,” prioritizing his long-term fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Cummins had returned from injury to lead the team in Adelaide, taking six wickets in his first Test since July.
Steve Smith, who captained in Cummins’ absence, will lead Australia again in Melbourne after missing the Adelaide Test due to vertigo. The team is expected to make at least three changes, with Usman Khawaja likely retained at number four, while Josh Inglis could make way.
Lyon, 38, sustained a torn right hamstring while saving a boundary in Adelaide and had taken his 564th Test wicket, surpassing Glenn McGrath. Todd Murphy is poised to make his home Test debut, while Richardson returns after a four-year absence and three shoulder surgeries. Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc are expected to spearhead the seam attack, supported by Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, and Richardson.
McDonald praised Starc’s fitness and performance, highlighting his 22 wickets at an average of 17.04 across three Tests and his contribution of 150 runs down the order. Starc’s endurance and consistency have been key to Australia’s dominance, setting a benchmark for preparation and targeting key matches.
Australia’s 15-man squad for the Melbourne Test includes Steve Smith (capt), 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, and Beau Webster.
