MELBOURNE: Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that it will reduce the previously announced 15-man squad to a 12-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test against England starting on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The hosts are expected to field an all-base attack in the Boxing Day Test.
Captain Steve Smith, who returned to the side after losing the third Test in Adelaide, said the final XI would be confirmed following a last-minute assessment of the MCG pitch.
The right-handed batsman described the pitch as “very hairy”, prompting the selectors to opt for a lead spinner.
Pacers Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and returning paceman Jay Richardson have been included in the 12-man squad, two of whom are expected to make the final XI.
The return of Smith in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins – who was rested following a recent back injury – saw Josh Inglis miss out, while veteran opener Usman Khawaja retained his place after 82 and 40 in Adelaide.
This is the second time in this series that Australia have opted for an all-base attack. Doggett and Neser both featured in the day-night second Test in Brisbane, with Neser taking five wickets in the second innings.
If selected, it will mark Nacer’s first red-ball Test appearance, with his previous three outings coming under lights.
Cummins is likely to return for the final Test of the series starting on January 4 in Sydney.
After an 82-run win in the third Test, Australia took a 3-0 lead in the Melbourne Test with the Ashes already sealed.
Australia’s 12-man squad for fourth Test:
Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (catch), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (week), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and Jay Richardson.
Australia’s 15-man squad for the fourth Test was announced earlier.
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.