Todd Murphy replaces Nathan Lyon as Australia announce squad for Boxing Day Test, Cummins out of fourth test

Spinner Todd Murphy has been added to Australia’s squad for this week’s fourth Ashes Test after Nathan Lyon was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Lyon suffered the injury during Australia’s 82-run win over England in the third Test in Adelaide, a result that sealed the series and allowed Australia to retain the Ashes. Captain Pat Cummins will also miss the Boxing Day Test as his back issue continues to be managed. Steve Smith has been named in the squad despite missing the third Test due to vertigo and is expected to captain the side in Cummins’ absence, as he did earlier in the series.

Cummins, who claimed six for 117 in Adelaide, remains in recovery and could be replaced by Brendan Doggett or Michael Neser, both of whom have featured in the series. Lyon is scheduled to undergo hamstring surgery after the injury forced him out of the closing stages of the third Test in Adelaide, reported news.com.au. Jhye Richardson has also been included as an additional pace option following strong domestic form after shoulder surgery.




Murphy, 25, has played seven Tests since debuting in India in 2023 and is viewed as Lyon’s long-term successor. Murphy last featured in a Test match in Sri Lanka earlier this year and also played in two Ashes Tests in 2023. All-rounder Beau Webster offers another spin option, while Usman Khawaja keeps his place in the squad.

Smith is expected to come into the XI in place of either Usman Khawaja or Josh Inglis. Beau Webster is also in contention to replace the underperforming Cameron Green, while Inglis could also make way if Smith reclaims his spot from Khawaja.

Australia squad: Steve Smith, 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