Cricket Australia has announced a 12-member squad for the fourth Ashes Test against England. The match will be the traditional Boxing Day Test, starting on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Australia are set to go in with an all-pace bowling attack for the match. Stand-in captain Steve Smith, who returned to the side after missing the third Test in Adelaide due to an inner-ear issue, said the team management is yet to finalise the playing XI.
Australia XII for fourth Test
Australia’s playing XII includes-
Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson.
Selectors waiting on pitch assessment
Smith said the selectors wanted to take another look at the MCG pitch, which he described as “quite furry,” on Wednesday morning before deciding the final combination. Fast bowlers Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson are in contention for the last two spots in the pace attack.
With Smith back to lead the side in Pat Cummins’ absence, Josh Inglis has missed out on a place in the XI. Veteran batter Usman Khawaja retained his spot after scoring 82 and 40 in the Adelaide Test, having been recalled late.
This is the second time in the series that Australia have opted for an all-pace attack. Doggett and Neser also featured in the day-night second Test in Brisbane, where Neser picked up five wickets in the second innings.
If Neser plays on Boxing Day, it will be his first red-ball Test, as his earlier three appearances for Australia have all been in pink-ball matches.
Cummins has been rested for the Melbourne Test as he recently returned from a back injury. The regular captain could return for the final Test of the series in Sydney, starting January 4.
Australia are already 3-0 up in the five-match series after winning the third Test by 82 runs, giving them an unassailable lead.
