In a significant shake-up despite holding an unassailable lead in the Ashes series, Australian selectors have recalled fast bowler Jhye Richardson and dropped wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Richardson's Long-Awaited Return
Jhye Richardson is poised to play his first Test match in four years, named in a 12-man squad for the iconic MCG fixture starting December 26. The West Australian quick, whose last Test appearance was in 2021, joins fellow pacemen Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett as inclusions to the squad that won in Adelaide.
Stand-in captain Steve Smith described the Melbourne wicket as having a "furry" appearance with about 10mm of grass left on it, prompting a radical selection strategy. Australia will opt for four frontline fast bowlers and will not pick a specialist spinner, leaving Todd Murphy out after Nathan Lyon was ruled out for the remainder of the series with a hamstring injury.
Squad Overhaul Despite Series Lead
Selectors have made sweeping changes even though Australia secured the Ashes urn with a 3-0 series lead. The most notable omission is West Australian Josh Inglis, whose Test career is on hold after being dropped from the squad.
Meanwhile, the Test career of veteran Usman Khawaja continues. He has been retained and will move up to bat at number five, the spot vacated by all-rounder Cam Green. Khawaja revived his prospects with scores of 82 and 40 in Adelaide. Green will shift down the order to bat at number seven.
Four-Quicks Strategy for Melbourne
The selection panel faces a decision on which two bowlers from the trio of Richardson, Neser, and Doggett will partner the established duo of Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc. This bold four-pronged pace attack underscores the team's read on the Melbourne pitch conditions and their desire to press for a 4-0 series advantage.
The final squad, announced on Christmas Day, shows Australia's intent to maintain intensity rather than rest players, setting the stage for a compelling Boxing Day contest at the MCG.
