Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon rested as Australia announce squad for Boxing Day Test after clinching Ashes

Steve Smith will return as captain as Australia have decided to rest regular skipper Pat Cummins and senior spinner Nathan Lyon for the upcoming 4th Test against England in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26. Cummins has made his long-awaited comeback from injury during the recently concluded third Test against England in Adelaide.

Cummins, who missed the first two Tests for his rehab after a back injury, led Australia to a comfortable 82-run victory in the third Test to help the hosts clinch the five-match series with an unassailable 3-0 lead and retain the Ashes. The pacer picked up six wickets and scored 19 runs to play a key role in Australia's victory.

With the Ashes in their bag, the Aussie selectors and the team management have decided to give Cummins rest to ensure his return to action is not rushed. Spinner Lyon has also been handed a break. Smith, who missed the third Test due to inner-ear issues, will return to lead Australia in the 4th Test, a Boxing Day game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.

In the absence of Cummins and Lyon, Australia have included pacer Jhye Richardson and spinner Todd Murphy in the squad as their replacements. Murphy, who is yet to play a Test match for Australia at home, has 22 wickets to his name in 7 Tests, all overseas. The spinner last featured in a Test match for Australia during their tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year.

He has done well in the Sheffield Shield and recently impressed for Australia A in their matches against England Lions. Murphy might make his dream Test debut at home in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Meanwhile, Richardson last featured in a Test match for Australia against England in 2021.

The pacer had made a strong comeback after undergoing a third shoulder surgery and recently picked up a five-wicket haul for Australia A in their match against England Lions. Richardson has been travelling with the Aussie squad in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 and might get a chance in the playing XI in the 4th Test.

Australia's squad for 4th Test against England:

Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

Despite having named Murphy in the squad, Australia might head into the 4th Test against England without a specialist spinner in their XI, like they have done earlier in the series. Richardson might also have to wait for his chances, as Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett have also done well when called up in the series.

The 4th Test between Australia and England will get underway at the MCG on Friday, December 26.