If England were hoping for some mercy in Melbourne, Australia have responded by loading the gun instead. Already 3–0 up and cruising toward a home Ashes clean sweep, the hosts have decided to attack the MCG with an all-seam bowling line-up, leaving specialist spinner Todd Murphy on the sidelines for the fourth Test. Stand-in captain Steve Smith confirmed the plan on Thursday, revealing that conditions drove the decision.
Australia will pick their XI from a shortlist of 12 players, with Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett competing for the final two spots in a pace-heavy combination that is the same approach used successfully at the Gabba earlier in the series. With Pat Cummins resting and Nathan Lyon sidelined after tearing his hamstring, Australia’s bowling unit is a new one but still a better one than England’s, who will miss Jofra Archer in the fourth Test.
No Murphy, Khawaja moves up, Green pushed down
Smith explained that cool, overcast conditions and a green-tinged MCG pitch made the decision straightforward. “I think a lot of the wickets we are playing on at present are certainly more seam-friendly than spin–friendly,” Smith said. “This one out here looks like it’s going to offer a fair bit of assistance for the seam bowlers and the weather throughout the week looks conducive for that too. So that’s what we’ve opted for this week.”
He said that Murphy’s omission had nothing to do with ability and that the young off-spinner remains in strong contention for Sydney next week. There are major changes to the batting order as well. Usman Khawaja moves to No.5, Alex Carey to No.6, while Cameron Green slides down to No.7 after a difficult run of form since returning from back surgery.
Smith himself returns after missing the Adelaide Test with vestibular illness and says he is “100 per cent” fit. His comeback squeezes Josh Inglis out of the side, while Jake Weatherald retains his opening spot.
Australia Playing XII for Boxing Day Ashes Test
Steve Smith (c), Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser, Brendan DoggettEditor's Pick
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