Australia have made significant changes to their squad for the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with off-spinner Todd Murphy replacing the injured Nathan Lyon.
Murphy is set to feature in the Boxing Day Test after being included in Australia’s 15-man squad following Lyon’s hamstring injury.
Fast bowler Jay Richardson is also back in a Test after four years, while Pat Cummins has been confirmed absent as he recovers from a back injury.
Lyon, who turned 38 last month, tore his right hamstring while fielding on the final day of Australia’s 82-run win at Adelaide Oval.
Cricket Australia confirmed that the veteran spinner will be sidelined for a “prolonged period” after the surgery.
Murphy, 25, was preferred over Matt Kuhneman, Corey Rochecioli and Mitchell Swepson.
He has taken 22 wickets at an average of 28.13 in seven Tests so far, all played abroad, and has taken six wickets at an average of 25.33 in three Sheffield Shield matches at the MCG for Victoria.
After Australia sealed the series in Adelaide, Cummins indicated he was unlikely to play at the MCG, with Cricket Australia confirming the rest was “part of his ongoing management plan”.
Steven Smith will return to captain the team after missing the third Test due to illness, while the selectors are yet to decide which batsman will be included in the playing XI.
Cummins’ absence opens up a spot in Australia’s pace attack, with Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and Richardson in contention.
Richardson, who recently returned from shoulder surgery, has been included in the Test squad for the first time in a year and could play in his fourth Test.
Team Australia: Steven Smith (catch), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnes Lapuzagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jay Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherold and P.W.