Australian cricket selectors are seriously considering unleashing a four-man pace attack for the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a move that casts significant doubt over allrounder Cameron Green's position in the starting XI.
Spin Options and Squad Changes
Victorian offspinner Todd Murphy has earned a call-up to the Australian squad following the injury to veteran Nathan Lyon. Lyon is expected to be sidelined for months after undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring. However, Murphy's inclusion does not guarantee he will make his home Test debut, as coach Andrew McDonald and the selection panel explore the aggressive option of a pace-heavy lineup to continue dominating England.
If Australia opts against a frontline spinner, allrounder Beau Webster emerges as a potential recall. Webster, unfortunate to miss selection for the start of the Ashes after a stellar debut year, offers versatility with his ability to bowl both spin and medium pace, making him a viable option for the MCG conditions.
Pressure on Cameron Green
The potential tactical shift places immediate pressure on Cameron Green, who has struggled for runs this series. Coach McDonald acknowledged Green's difficult period while also highlighting his broader value to the team.
"He hasn’t got the runs that he would like," McDonald stated. "He’s bowled some important spells for us. His catching in the gully and shot-stopping ability there... The returns haven’t been there, but we’ve also seen what capabilities and the upside that he has."
McDonald confirmed the team is actively debating the balance of the side. "We’ve got some decisions to make. Do we play a spinner, don’t we play a spinner? We’ll work through that," he said.
Captaincy and Pace Bowling Depth
With Pat Cummins ruled out for the remainder of the series to manage a back issue, Steve Smith will resume the captaincy for the fourth Test. Smith led the side in Perth and Brisbane but missed the Ashes-clinching win in Adelaide due to vertigo symptoms.
The pace bowling ranks have received a boost with the return of fit-again quick Jhye Richardson to the squad. Richardson, in contention for his first Test in over four years, will compete with Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett for a spot. Victorian favourite Scott Boland, who famously decimated England on debut at the MCG, is managing a hip concern but has been declared fit to play in his home Test.
McDonald also reserved special praise for Mitchell Starc, labelling the left-arm quick a "freak" for his durability and commitment to Test cricket. Starc, who has forgone IPL opportunities, is on track to be named player of the series. "He’s given up a lot of IPL opportunities and you’re seeing a player that wants to play Test cricket, and he’s still at his best," McDonald said. "It’s an incredible story."
Australia now turns its attention to securing a 5-0 series whitewash against a battered English side, with team composition for the MCG being the final major puzzle piece.
