Cricket

Australia leave spinner out for Boxing Day Test

Dec 25, 2025

Jhye Richardson is in contention to return for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. -AAP Image

Australia will go into the Boxing Day Test without a spinner after picking a 12-man, pace-heavy squad to tackle demoralised England.

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After Nathan Lyon suffered a long-term hamstring injury in the Ashes-clinching win in Adelaide, Victorian offspinner Todd Murphy was called into the squad.

But with the MCG pitch having up to 10mm of grass, Australia have opted to leave Murphy out.

Captain Steve Smith will hold off until the toss on Friday before confirming a XI.

Joining Lyon and captain Pat Cummins on the sidelines is Josh Inglis, with quicks Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser included.

Left-handed veteran Usman Khawaja was preferred to Inglis after making 82 and 40 in the third Test in Adelaide.

Richardson is in contention to play his first Test in more than four years after a torturous run with injury.

Doggett and Neser played in the second Test in Brisbane, but made way in Adelaide when Cummins and Lyon returned.

AUSTRALIA: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.