The Australian cricket team has been dealt a significant blow with the news that captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon will be absent from the squad for the upcoming Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The duo's absence is a result of injuries, with Lyon set to undergo surgery on a torn right hamstring that will keep him sidelined for an extended period. Cummins, on the other hand, has been rested as he continues to manage a long-standing back issue that has plagued him throughout his career.
Cummins, who missed the first two Tests of the series, made a return to the team for the third Test in Adelaide, where Australia successfully retained the Ashes after just 11 days of play. However, the decision to rest him for the Boxing Day Test is a precautionary measure to prevent any further aggravation of his back injury. This move is likely to raise eyebrows among fans and critics alike, given the importance of the Test and Cummins' role as captain of the team.
In Cummins' absence, batter Steve Smith will take on the captaincy duties, marking his return to the team after missing the third Test due to illness. Smith's return is a welcome boost to the team, and his leadership skills will be put to the test as Australia looks to continue its dominance in the series. The pressure is on Smith to lead the team to victory, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
The Australian squad has also seen some changes, with seam bowler Jhye Richardson and spinner Todd Murphy being recalled to the team. Michael Neser, Beau Webster, and Brendan Doggett have retained their places in the squad despite not making the starting XI in Adelaide. The squad's composition is an interesting mix of experience and youth, and it will be fascinating to see how the team performs in the absence of Cummins and Lyon.
The Boxing Day Test is one of the most highly anticipated events in the cricket calendar, and the absence of Cummins and Lyon will undoubtedly be felt. However, the Australian team has shown its depth and resilience throughout the series, and it will be interesting to see how they respond to this latest challenge.
The fourth Test at the MCG in Melbourne is scheduled to begin at 23:30 GMT on 25 December, and fans can expect a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. The Australian squad for the fourth Test is as follows:
The stage is set for an exciting contest, and fans can expect a thrilling match between two teams that are eager to prove their mettle. With the absence of Cummins and Lyon, the Australian team will have to dig deep and find the strength to overcome this challenge. The Boxing Day Test is shaping up to be a memorable one, and cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching the proceedings.
In conclusion, the Australian team's squad for the Boxing Day Test has been affected by injuries to key players, but the team's depth and resilience will be put to the test as they look to continue their dominance in the series. With Steve Smith at the helm, the team will be looking to overcome the challenges ahead and emerge victorious. The pressure is on, and it will be fascinating to see how the team responds to this latest challenge.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
