Australia pacer Jhye Richardson in action. (PHOTO: Jhye Richardson)
After a dominating show in the first three Tests, which helped Australia retain the Ashes 2025-26 series in just 11 days, the home team is all set to play an all-pace attack for the Boxing Day Test against England at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Having missed out on the Adelaide Test, Steve Smith is back in the side and will lead the unit in the absence of Pat Cummins, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes as Australia opted to include four fast bowlers in its 12-man squad, with spinner Todd Murphy, brought in to replace Nathan Lyon, not finding a spot.
Pacer Jhye Richardson, who has not played a Test for Australia since 2021, has been brought back after a fine domestic form on his return from shoulder surgery.
It will be the second time in the series Australia have picked a four-pronged specialist pace attack with Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser both playing in the day-night second Test in Brisbane, the latter taking five wickets in the second innings.
With Australia expected to play four pacers, stand-in skipper Steve Smith says the hosts are yet to settle on their final XI for the fourth Test.
Smith’s inclusion resulted in Josh Inglis’ omission, while Usman Khawaja also made the cut for the 12-man squad for the home side.
Speaking on the team selection, Smith said: “We’ve landed on a 12, we just want to take a look at the wicket tomorrow. We’re going to be playing four quicks and no spinner. (The pitch) has 10mm of grass, quite furry, quite green,” he said.
“I dare say it’s going to offer quite a bit, particularly (day one) is similar conditions to today, quite cold and overcast so I dare say there’s going to be quite a bit of movement,” added Smith.
Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson.