Murphy, Richardson called up for Boxing Day Test as Lyon set for surgery

Australia have been forced into a reshuffle ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with offspinner Todd Murphy named as the replacement for the injured Nathan Lyon and fast bowler Jhye Richardson returning to the Test squad.

Lyon will be sidelined for an extended period after tearing his right hamstring while fielding on the final day of Australia’s 82-run victory in the third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval. Cricket Australia confirmed the 38-year-old will undergo surgery after consulting a specialist in Melbourne on Monday.

Murphy, 25, has been added to Australia’s 15-man squad and is strongly tipped to play in the fourth Test. He was preferred ahead of Matthew Kuhnemann, Corey Rocchiccioli and Mitchell Swepson. If selected, it would mark the first time in 14 years that Australia have played a home Test with a lone specialist spinner who is not Lyon.

The Victorian offspinner has taken 22 wickets at an average of 28.13 in his seven Tests so far, all played overseas. He also has six wickets at 25.33 from three Sheffield Shield matches at the MCG. Murphy previously replaced Lyon during the 2023 Ashes, playing at Headingley and The Oval as Australia’s sole spinner.

Although Kuhnemann has often partnered Lyon overseas, selectors view Murphy as better suited to Australian conditions, where left-arm orthodox spin has traditionally had limited impact. Murphy has enjoyed a solid start to the current Shield season after managing a shoulder issue last year.

Rocchiccioli, meanwhile, was again overlooked despite being one of the leading spinners in domestic cricket in recent seasons. The Western Australian has taken 20 wickets at 28.20 so far this summer and impressed with his bounce at the WACA, but missed out once more at national level.

MCG curator Matt Page said spin would still play a role in the Boxing Day Test, pointing to a balanced surface used in a recent Shield match and Australia’s win over India last summer.

“We want everyone to have a chance in the game at different points,” Page said. “The Shield pitch did that and it gives us confidence going into this Test.”

Australia will also be without regular captain Pat Cummins, who will miss the match as part of his ongoing back-injury management plan. Steven Smith will return to lead the side after missing the Adelaide Test through illness.

Cummins’ absence opens up at least one spot in the pace attack, with Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson all in contention. Richardson, who has recently returned from shoulder surgery, is included in a Test squad for the first time in a year and could play his fourth Test.

Selection questions remain in the batting order as well. Usman Khawaja made the most of a late recall in Adelaide with scores of 82 and 40, while Josh Inglis has yet to fully cement his place at No. 7.

Australia’s squad for the fourth Ashes Test is: Steven Smith (captain), 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.