Australia have confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will miss the remainder of the Ashes series after a courageous return in the third Test at Adelaide. While Cummins starred with six wickets in the match, selectors have opted against risking further injury now that the series is secured.
Coach Andrew McDonald explained the careful approach: “We were taking on some risk with his return, but we’ve now won the series. To expose him to further risk and jeopardise him long term isn’t something we want to do. Pat’s really comfortable with that.”
Cummins, playing his first Test since July following a serious back injury, impressed despite battling discomfort, taking three wickets in each innings. McDonald praised the medical team and Cummins’ commitment in navigating the comeback: “Everything went really smoothly. Full credit to him and the team for managing the risk and helping secure the Ashes.”
Australia will make two changes for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Victorian off-spinner Todd Murphy replaces the injured Nathan Lyon, who suffered a hamstring injury while fielding on the boundary and has undergone surgery. McDonald said of Lyon, “He’s facing a long recovery. It’s going to be a hard period, but he still wants to do it.”
Murphy, 25, last played for Australia against Sri Lanka in February and has 22 wickets from seven Tests. Despite being omitted from Cricket Australia’s contracted list in March, he has been preferred over other spinners such as Corey Rocchiccioli, Mitchell Swepson, and Matthew Kuhnemann. Murphy recently impressed for Australia A against the England Lions and in Sheffield Shield action at the MCG.
Steve Smith will lead the side in Cummins’ absence, having recovered from the ear complaint that ruled him out of the Adelaide Test. Australia’s 15-player squad for the Boxing Day Test also includes Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, and Usman Khawaja as selectors look to settle the middle order.
Australia Squad – Boxing Day Test:
Steve Smith (captain), 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.
