Ashes 2025-26: Australia has confirmed their 15-player squad for the Boxing Day Test against England, with skipper Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon both ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes series.
Off-spinner Todd Murphy and fast bowler Jhye Richardson have been called up and could feature in Melbourne for the fourth Test. Steve Smith will lead the side in Cummins’ absence, while all-rounders Michael Neser and Beau Webster, along with backup quick Brendan Doggett, retain their place despite missing the recent Adelaide Test.
Cummins had returned from a back issue in time to take a match-winning six-for in Adelaide, helping Australia secure an 82-run victory and an unassailable 3-0 series lead. Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the fast bowler will miss the rest of the series, prioritizing his long-term fitness.
“He won’t play any part in the rest of the series,” McDonald said. “Everything went smoothly in his return, and full credit to him and the medical team. To risk further injury now that we’ve won the series wouldn’t make sense.”
It is still uncertain whether Cummins will be fit for Australia’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. McDonald said the team will monitor his progress with scans and assessments.
Richardson, returning from injury, may replace Cummins in the pace attack, while Murphy is expected to fill in for Lyon, who will undergo surgery for a torn right hamstring. Murphy has played seven Tests, most recently in Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Australia’s squad for the fourth Test:
Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Scott Boland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster
Ashes schedule:
- 1st Test: Perth Stadium, Nov 21-25 – Australia won by 8 wickets
- 2nd Test: Gabba, Dec 4-7 – Australia won by 8 wickets
- 3rd Test: Adelaide Oval, Dec 17-21 – Australia won by 82 runs
- 4th Test: MCG, Dec 26-30
- 5th Test: SCG, Jan 4-8
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