Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson have been added to Australia’s 15-member squad for the fourth Ashes Test, starting on December 26.
Murphy edged out Matt Kuhnemann and Corey Rocchiccioli to replace Nathan Lyon, who is set to undergo surgery on his injured hamstring. Murphy has featured seven times at Test level for Australia, with his most recent match being against Sri Lanka in Galle at the start of the year.
Australia confirmed that Nathan Lyon will undergo surgery after suffering a torn right hamstring while diving to stop a boundary on the final day of their Ashes-sealing third Test.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith is set to resume captaincy, pending clearance for the inner-ear problem that ruled him out in Adelaide, while Pat Cummins will sit out the Boxing Day Test.
Richardson could be in line to replace Cummins after making a recent return from injury and joining the squad in Adelaide ahead of the third Test. The right-arm quick has played in just three Tests due to an injury-hit career, with his last appearance against England in Adelaide in 2021. Nevertheless, selectors continue to hold the 29-year-old in high regard.
Richardson’s formal addition to the squad puts him in contention for a Test comeback after a four-year absence. He underwent his third shoulder surgery earlier this year and has gradually built up his bowling workload in recent weeks, training alongside the squad during the opening three Tests.
All-rounders Michael Neser and Beau Webster, along with backup quick Brendan Doggett, retain their place in the squad despite missing out on selection in the recent Adelaide Test, where Australia registered an 82-run triumph, extending their unassailable 3-0 lead in the Ashes series.
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.