England and Australia Finalize Teams for Boxing Day Ashes Test

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced its playing XI for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia, set to take place on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. England has made two changes, with Jofra Archer ruled out due to injury and Jacob Bethell stepping in. Meanwhile, Australia has also made significant adjustments, leaving out captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon, with Steve Smith taking over leadership. The match promises to be an exciting continuation of the Ashes series, where Australia currently leads 3-0.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 12:36 IST

England's Squad for the Fourth Ashes Test

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has revealed its lineup for the upcoming fourth Ashes Test against Australia, scheduled for December 26 at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, England has made two adjustments to the team that played in the third Test in Adelaide. Jofra Archer, a right-arm fast bowler, will miss the rest of the Ashes series due to a left side strain, and Ollie Pope has also been excluded. Jacob Bethell has been brought in to replace Pope and will bat at the number three position. Additionally, Gus Atkinson returns to the squad after missing the third Test, taking Archer's place.

England's Playing XI

The selected players for England are as follows: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue.

Australia's Squad Adjustments

In a related development, Australia has announced its 15-member squad for the Boxing Day Test. Notably, captain Pat Cummins and experienced spinner Nathan Lyon have been omitted from the lineup. Todd Murphy, an off-spinner, and fast bowler Jhye Richardson have been included as potential replacements for the fourth Test. Steve Smith will take over as captain in Cummins' absence. All-rounders Michael Neser and Beau Webster, along with backup fast bowler Brendan Doggett, remain in the squad despite not being selected for the recent Adelaide Test, where Australia secured an 82-run victory, giving them a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.

Details on Cummins and Lyon

Cummins has been rested for the Melbourne Test after recently recovering from a back injury, but he may return for the final Test in Sydney on January 4. Murphy is expected to step in for Lyon, who will undergo surgery for a torn right hamstring and will be out for an extended period. Murphy has played seven Test matches for Australia, with his last appearance occurring earlier this year against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Australia's Squad for the Fourth Test

The squad for Australia 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.