Australia have opted for an all-pace attack for the Boxing Day Test. While there are a few forced changes, the only unforced one is Josh Inglis who is dropped. On the eve of the MCG Test, Steve Smith revealed a 12-man squad as he is yet to zero-in on the playing eleven.
As England did not include their frontline spinner Shoaib Bashir, Australia did not replace an injured Nathan Lyon with Todd Murphy. While Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson have made it to the 12-man squad, one of them warm the bench for the fourth Test of Ashes 2025-26.
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Smith says Richardson’s been ‘outstanding’
Richardson hasn’t played a single Test since Ashes 2021-22. Recently, the 29-year-old claimed five wickets for Australia A against England Lions.
"It's exciting to see Richardson back into the fold, he's had a pretty long layoff with injury, and we know the skills he can possess," Smith said.
"He's done it against England before in an Ashes. We've seen when he's had the opportunity at this level, he's been outstanding."
Smith on missing the Adelaide Test
Smith had missed the previous Test due to vertigo-like symptoms. He wished he could’ve been part of the previous Test at Adelaide Oval as Australia retained the Ashes with an 82-run win.
"I had a few bad days before the (Adelaide) Test and the first couple of days of the (match until) all my vestibular stuff settled down," he said.
"It was a shame to miss that one, it looked like a pretty nice wicket for batting.
"I was watching in the hotel those first two days and wished I could have been out there, but I was it was the right call at that stage (because) I was struggling.
"(It was) fortunate that Usman was able to come in and play the way he did … in that first innings."
Australia’s XII for Boxing Day Test -
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.