Australia have made a dramatic and unexpected selection for the pivotal fourth Ashes Test against England, opting for a four-pronged pace attack and omitting a specialist spinner for the Boxing Day clash in Melbourne.
Smith Returns as Captain Amidst Bowling Shake-Up
Steve Smith will return to lead the side after missing the Adelaide Test due to a bout of vertigo. His comeback, however, is overshadowed by a major tactical shift from the Australian selectors. Despite the series-ending calf injury to premier off-spinner Nathan Lyon, his designated replacement, Todd Murphy, has been left out of the 12-man squad announced on Thursday, 25 December 2025.
Instead, the hosts have loaded their squad with fast-bowling options, signalling an intent to exploit the green-tinged Melbourne pitch. Smith confirmed the strategy was a direct response to the conditions presented at the MCG. "You just got to play what surface you're presented with," Smith told reporters. "The pitch has 10mm of grass, quite furry, quite green."
Pace Quartet Called Into Action
The recalled pacemen include Jhye Richardson, who hasn't played a Test since December 2021. Richardson famously took a five-wicket haul against England in that match, guiding Australia to a 275-run victory. His return follows strong domestic form after recovering from shoulder surgery.
He is joined in the squad by Brendan Doggett, who featured in the first two Tests, and Michael Neser, who played in the day-night encounter. Alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, this gives Australia a potent all-pace arsenal. Smith expressed his excitement at Richardson's return, stating, "He's had a pretty long layoff with injury, and we know the skills he can possess. He's done it against England before in an Ashes."
Khawaja Retains Place After Impressive Cameo
In the batting department, veteran Usman Khawaja has retained his place at number five after a superb performance as Smith's late replacement in the previous Test. Khawaja scored 82 and 40, earning praise from his captain. "We all thought he played really nicely last week," Smith said. "He’s got that No.5 spot right now." His inclusion comes at the expense of wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis.
The team balance is maintained by the all-round capabilities of Cameron Green at number seven. Australia have already retained the Ashes urn with an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, but will be keen to extend their dominance in front of a huge Boxing Day crowd.
Australia's 12-man squad for the fourth Test: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson.
