Cummins and Lyon Ruled Out of Boxing Day Ashes Test

Australia’s preparations for the fourth Ashes Test have been rocked by the loss of skipper Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday that Cummins will sit out the Melbourne clash as part of his ongoing back injury management, while Lyon requires surgery on a torn right hamstring sustained during the Adelaide Test.

Steve Smith returns to lead the side in Cummins’ absence, having recovered from the vertigo symptoms that sidelined him previously. With Lyon facing an extended period out, young spinner Todd Murphy is set to make his home Test debut.

Speedster Jhye Richardson also returns to the 15-man squad following a four-year hiatus, joining Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc as Australia looks to maintain its dominant 3-0 lead in the series.

Australian squad for Boxing Day Test: Steve Smith (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.