Australia have announced a 15-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne, with a significant change in the spin department leading the selections.
Murphy Steps In for Injured Lyon
Victorian off-spinner Todd Murphy has been recalled to the national side, stepping into the void left by the injured Nathan Lyon. The veteran spinner suffered a serious hamstring injury while fielding during the third Test in Adelaide, an incident that has ended his summer.
Lyon, 38, will undergo surgery to repair his right hamstring, ruling him out for the remainder of the Australian season and for an extended period. His absence is a major blow, having just reminded selectors of his value with a five-wicket haul in Adelaide, which included key second-innings dismissals of Zak Crawley, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes.
Captaincy Change and Pace Bowling Depth
In another notable move, captain Pat Cummins has been rested for the Melbourne match as he continues to manage his return from a back injury. Steve Smith will take over the captaincy, confirming his recovery from the ear complaint that sidelined him in Adelaide.
The selectors have bolstered the pace bowling options, drafting in Jhye Richardson alongside Brendan Doggett and second Test hero Michael Neser. The squad announcement comes with Australia having already retained the Ashes urn.
Murphy's Path Back to the Baggy Green
Todd Murphy, 25, last played Test cricket against Sri Lanka in February and boasts 22 wickets from his seven Tests at an average of 28. Despite being omitted from Cricket Australia's central contract list in March, he has been preferred over other seasoned first-class spinners like Corey Rocchiccioli, Mitchell Swepson, and the contracted Matthew Kuhnemann.
His recent form proved decisive. Murphy took three wickets for Australia A against the England Lions in Brisbane this month and impressed in the Sheffield Shield at the MCG in October, dismissing New South Wales's top three batters.
The full squad sees Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, and Usman Khawaja all included as the team seeks a settled middle order. Australia's next Test commitments after this series are two matches against Bangladesh in August, followed by a tour of South Africa in September.
Australia squad for fourth Ashes Test: Steve Smith (captain), 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, Beau Webster.
