In a significant reshuffling of their championship squad, Cricket Australia has announced major roster changes ahead of the final Ashes Tests. Spinner Todd Murphy has been called up to replace the injured Nathan Lyon, while captain Pat Cummins will sit out the remainder of the series to manage his back injury.
The changes come despite Australia’s decisive victory in the third Test at Adelaide, where they clinched the series 82 runs against England to retain the Ashes. Lyon’s hamstring injury, sustained during Sunday’s match, has ruled him out for the remainder of the competition, creating an opportunity for Murphy, long considered Lyon’s natural successor.
Steve Smith returns to captaincy duties despite missing the third Test due to vertigo. Smith, who previously led the side during the first two Tests in Cummins’ absence, will resume leadership responsibilities for the upcoming matches.
Coach Andrew McDonald explained the strategic decision regarding Cummins at a Melbourne Cricket Ground press conference: “Pat won’t play any part in the rest of the series. We were taking on some risk with him, and we’ve now won the series—that was the goal. To position him for further risk and jeopardize his long-term fitness is not something we want to do.”
The bowling attack will likely see Brendan Doggett or Michael Neser replacing Cummins, who delivered an impressive six-for-117 performance in Adelaide. Additionally, Jhye Richardson has been called into the squad following strong domestic form after shoulder surgery rehabilitation.
Murphy, 25, brings considerable experience with seven Tests since his 2023 debut in India. The selection panel faces strategic decisions regarding spin options, with all-rounder Beau Webster providing part-time off-spin alternatives.
McDonald expressed confidence in Murphy’s readiness: “Todd’s been an important part of key overseas series. He played in the last Ashes back in 2023, and we feel Todd’s back to his best.”
Meanwhile, veteran spinner Lyon underwent surgery Tuesday for his hamstring injury. McDonald described the 38-year-old as “devastated” but already focused on returning for Australia’s 2027 tour of India.
Top-order batsman Usman Khawaja retains his squad position despite briefly being dropped for the Adelaide Test, only to be recalled when Smith was ruled out minutes before play.
The revised Australian squad for remaining Tests: Steve 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, Beau Webster.