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Australia squad for 4th Ashes Test announced: Steve Smith to lead; Cummins, Lyon replaced

Debashis Sarangi

Steve Smith to lead, no Cummins [Source: AFP]Steve Smith to lead, no Cummins [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, Australia, on Tuesday, announced their squad for the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes series against England. Pat Cummins has been excluded from the team as a part of workload management amid his recent struggles with a back injury. Nathan Lyon misses out due to a hamstring injury, while the hosts have recalled ace speedster Jhye Richardson and off-spinner Todd Murphy. 

Lyon out for extended period, Cummins rested; Richardson, Murphy back

Nathan Lyon, who made a memorable comeback in the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval, has been ruled out of the penultimate encounter due to a hamstring injury. Cricket.com.au revealed that Lyon needs a surgery to recover from the injury, which is why he will be out of action for an extended period. 

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins, who finally made his Ashes return in the Adelaide Test, has been left out of the squad as a precautionary measure. Considering Australia retained the Ashes after winning the Adelaide Test, Cummins has been given a break from competitive cricket to manage his problematic back. 

Todd Murphy, the off-spinner who became a household name during Australia's India tour in 2023, pipped Matthew Kunhemann and Corey Rocchiccioli in the race for Lyon's replacement. 

He has bagged 22 wickets in seven Test matches at an average of 28.1 and an impressive strike rate of 52.6. Given that he's also a right-arm off-spinner, the Aussies have picked Murphy ahead of the experienced Kuhnemann as Lyon's replacement. 

On the other hand, Jhye Richardson has made a much-awaited return to Test cricket after receiving a fitness clearance. He is expected to be back in the Australian playing XI in Adelaide amid the unavailability of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Richardson has represented Australia in three Tests, scalping eleven wickets at a magnificent average of 22.1 and a strike rate of 48.6. 

Steve Smith to lead Australia in Boxing Day Test

The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will witness Steve Smith back at the helm after missing the Adelaide Test due to a last-minute illness. The talismanic batter is all set to lead Australia for the third time in the Ashes amid the fitness concerns of regular skipper Pat Cummins. 

Australia squad for fourth Test of Ashes 2025-26

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