The Ashes 2025-26: Australia name their 12 for Boxing Day test at MCG, Jhye Richardson returns

Steve Smith will captain Australia in the fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26 in Melbourne.

Australian Cricket Team have named their 12-member team for the fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26 against England Cricket Team. The Boxing Day test will commence on December 26 (Saturday) at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.

Steve Smith has returned to side for the fourth test after missing the previous game due to neck issues. He will also captain the side as Pat Cummins will miss last two games of the series. Following his return, Usman Khawaja, who batted at four in Adelaide, has been pushed to bat at five. Pacer Jhye Richardson returns, having played his last tests in 2021.

Australia have opted for a full-pace attack for the Melbourne test, with the likes of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Richardson being of the pace unit.

We’re going to be playing four quicks and no spinner: Steve Smith

Smith revealed that the hosts would play four pacers in the Melbourne test. He also welcomed Richardson back into the side.

“It’s exciting to see Richardson back into the fold, 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. We’ve seen when he’s had the opportunity at this level, he’s been outstanding,” Smith was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

“We’ve landed on a 12, we just want to take a look at the wicket tomorrow. We’re going to be playing four quicks and no spinner. (The pitch) has 10mm of grass, quite furry, quite green,” Smith added.

Notably, Pat Cummins was ruled out of the fourth test to manage his workload. He missed the first two games as he was still recovering from back injury but featured in the third test in Adelaide. Spinner Nathan Lyon injured himself while fielding in the previous game and was ruled out of the entire series. Australia have already won The Ashes 2025-26, winning the first three games in a row.

Australia playing XII for the fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26

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.

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