Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson have been added to Australia’s 15-member squad for the fourth Ashes Test, starting on December 26.
Murphy has replaced Nathan Lyon, who will undergo surgery on his injured hamstring, edging out Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli for the spot. Murphy has played seven Tests for Australia, with his last appearance coming at the start of the year against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Australia confirmed that Nathan Lyon suffered a torn right hamstring while diving to stop a boundary on the final day of their Ashes-sealing third Test, prompting the need for surgery.
Steve Smith is set to resume captaincy, pending clearance regarding the inner-ear problem that sidelined him in Adelaide. Pat Cummins, however, will miss the Boxing Day Test.
Richardson is positioned to potentially replace Cummins after recently returning from injury and joining the squad in Adelaide before the third Test. In a career marred by injuries, the right-arm quick has played only three Tests, with his last outing against England in Adelaide back in 2021. Despite this, selectors still regard the 29-year-old highly.
Richardson’s inclusion in the squad marks his potential Test comeback after a four-year hiatus. He underwent his third shoulder surgery earlier this year and has gradually increased his bowling workload in recent weeks while training alongside the squad during the opening three Tests.
Meanwhile, all-rounders Michael Neser and Beau Webster, along with backup quick Brendan Doggett, remain in the squad despite not being selected for the recent Adelaide Test, which Australia won by 82 runs, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Ashes series.
Australia squad for fourth Test:
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.