Jhye Richardson has come into the Australian squad, with the West Australian now in a three-way race with Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett to replace skipper Pat Cummins, who will sit out the rest of the series.
The Sporting Base understands Neser is the most likely to take the last spot in the pace attack, but whispers coming out of the Aussie squad have suggested Richardson may get the nod now the urn has been retained.
Win $500 Cash In Our Free Giveaway Here
Nathan Lyon meanwhile will soon be undergoing surgery after tearing his hamstring fielding on the final day of the third Test in Adelaide, with no chance for “Gary” to return in this series as he rehabilitates.
And elsewhere in the squad, spectacled spinner Todd Murphy — who this Base writer only yesterday suggested should come in — is most likely to replace Lyon.
With the Boxing Day Test starting on Friday, Andrew MacDonald and Australia’s selectors have some 72 hours to decide the eventual playing eleven.
Australia squad for Melbourne
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Brendan Doggett
- Cameron Green
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Todd Murphy
- Michael Neser
- Jhye Richardson
- Steve Smith (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Jake Weatherald
- Beau Webster
Are you reading on our app? Download now for the best Sporting Base experience.
Win $500 Cash In Our Free Giveaway Here
The bowling attack is the main spot where things have changed though; beyond Cummins and Lyon being out, the rest of the team should stay relatively similar. Only Steve Smith is the major change, returning from vertigo, and will most definitely be included in the matchday eleven come Friday.
More cricket news
Setback: Achilles flare-up to keep Hazlewood from this Ashes
‘Just filthy’: Lyon didn’t like Brissy axing – but didn’t have to wait long
With Cummins choosing to return to his injury recovery, Smith has been named as captain again. He has already led Australia twice in this Ashes series, in the squad’s victories in Perth and Brisbane.
