Jhye Richardson in contention for Boxing Day Test as Cummins set to rest

Jhye Richardson is closing in on a return to Australia’s Test set-up, with the fast bowler in contention for selection in the Boxing Day Test as Pat Cummins prepares to sit out the Melbourne clash following Australia’s Ashes-clinching victory in Adelaide.

Cummins is expected to miss at least the fourth Test and potentially the remainder of the series, creating a vacancy in the pace attack. With the Ashes already secured, Australia’s selectors are weighing their options, and Richardson is now firmly in the frame after a successful recovery from shoulder surgery.

Richardson trained with the Test squad ahead of the Adelaide Test, although he was not officially named in the squad at the time. ESPNcricinfo understands he is now very close to being considered for inclusion. Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, both of whom featured earlier in the series — with Neser taking a five-wicket haul in Brisbane — are also contenders to return to the XI.

Australia are also dealing with the absence of Nathan Lyon, who has been ruled out for the rest of the series with a hamstring injury. Todd Murphy is considered the leading candidate to replace him, while Western Australia off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli could earn a maiden call-up. Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who impressed on tour in Sri Lanka earlier this year and also toured the West Indies, remains another option.

If Richardson is officially recalled, it would mark exactly one year since his last Test squad inclusion, which also came for a Boxing Day Test, against India. Shortly after that match, Richardson underwent shoulder surgery to address long-standing issues and was sidelined for nearly 12 months. Despite the setback, selectors had remained hopeful he could return in time for the latter stages of the Ashes.

The 27-year-old has built his comeback gradually, beginning in grade cricket before featuring for a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions. He then played for Australia A against the Lions, increasing his workload and taking five wickets across 26 overs. Richardson also returned to Big Bash League action, missing Perth Scorchers’ opening match due to his involvement with the Test squad before striking with his first ball against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba in a record-breaking contest.

Richardson has played just three Tests since his debut in 2018–19, taking 11 wickets at an average of 22.09, with injuries repeatedly interrupting his career.

Cummins, who starred in Adelaide, acknowledged it was unlikely he would back up now that the Ashes are secured. “We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that it’s the Ashes there to be won and we thought that was worth it,” he said. “Now that the series has been won, there might be a sense of job’s done and let’s reassess the risk.”

However, Cummins indicated that other senior quicks are unlikely to be rested. “Good luck to anyone telling Starcy or even Scotty Boland that they’re going to miss a Boxing Day Test if they’re fully fit,” he said.

Another selection call revolves around Steven Smith, who is set to resume the captaincy in Cummins’ absence, provided he has fully recovered from the vertigo issues he experienced in Adelaide. Usman Khawaja, recalled at the last minute, scored a rapid 82 and may have done enough to retain his place ahead of Josh Inglis.

Australia’s final XI for Melbourne is expected to be confirmed closer to the Boxing Day Test, with Richardson’s fitness and workload a key factor in the selectors’ decision-making.