Australia Announces Squad for Boxing Day Test Against England

Australia has officially announced its squad for the Boxing Day Test against England, set to begin on December 26 in Melbourne. With captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon absent, Steve Smith will lead the team. New additions Todd Murphy and Jhye Richardson are in contention for the match. This article explores the squad changes and the implications for the ongoing Ashes series, including insights from Cummins on his recovery and future participation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 09:02 IST

Australia's Squad for the Boxing Day Test

On December 23, Australia revealed its 15-member team for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against England, set to commence on December 26 in Melbourne. Notably, captain Pat Cummins and seasoned spinner Nathan Lyon will not be part of this match.

Joining the squad are off-spinner Todd Murphy and fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who are now in contention for the fourth Test of the Ashes series, according to the ICC.

In Cummins' absence, Steve Smith will take the reins as captain. All-rounders Michael Neser and Beau Webster, along with backup fast bowler Brendan Doggett, have retained their spots despite not being selected for the recent Adelaide Test, where Australia secured an 82-run victory, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.

Cummins is being rested for the Melbourne Test after recently recovering from a back injury, but he may return for the series finale in Sydney starting January 4.

Following the Adelaide win, Cummins stated, “We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that there’s an Ashes series to be won, and we thought that was worth it.” He added, “I doubt I’ll be playing in Melbourne, and then we’ll have a chat about Sydney.”

Richardson, who has just returned from injury and joined the squad in Adelaide before the third Test, could be a candidate to fill in for Cummins. Despite a career marred by injuries, he has played only three Tests, the last being in 2021 against England in Adelaide, but selectors hold him in high regard.

Murphy is expected to step in for Lyon, who is set to undergo surgery for a torn right hamstring, sidelining him for an extended period. Murphy has played seven Tests for Australia, with his last appearance occurring earlier this year against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Australia's squad for the fourth Test includes: 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, and Beau Webster.