Australia Opts All-Pace Attack for Fourth Ashes Test

Australia will field an all-pace attack for the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Skipper Steve Smith confirmed the decision on Thursday. Josh Inglis was dropped, with Usman Khawaja preferred in the middle order.

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The hosts enter the Boxing Day Test with a 3-0 lead over England. Key players Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are unavailable. Cummins is being rested after a back injury, while Lyon recently underwent hamstring surgery.

Australia Opts All-Pace Attack for Fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne

Steve Smith explained that the decision to play four quicks stems from pitch and weather conditions rather than player limitations. “We’re going to be playing four quicks and no spinner. The pitch has 10 millimeters of grass, quite furry, quite green,” Smith said. He added that the cold and overcast weather expected on day one would provide additional movement for seam bowlers.

Australia’s strategy highlights their adaptability to conditions, focusing on exploiting the Melbourne pitch, which is expected to offer significant assistance to fast bowlers throughout the week. Todd Murphy’s non-selection is unrelated to his ability, Smith clarified, emphasizing that the decision is entirely tactical.

Squad and Selection Decisions

Australia named a 12-man squad for the Boxing Day Test, with the final XI to be confirmed at the toss. Contenders for the last spot alongside Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland include Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, and Brendan Doggett. Richardson makes a return to the squad after four years and three shoulder surgeries.

Steve Smith, who missed the third Test due to vertigo symptoms, will return at number four. Usman Khawaja, who filled Smith’s role in Adelaide with scores of 82 and 40, will slide down to five, maintaining his spot in the middle order. Josh Inglis misses out entirely.

Steve Smith’s Return and Form

Smith emphasized that he is fully recovered and feeling “100 percent fit.” Reflecting on missing the Adelaide Test, he said: “I was watching in the hotel those first two days and wished I could have been out there, but it was the right call at that stage because I was struggling.”

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He also praised Khawaja’s performance in his absence. “It was fortunate that Usman was able to come in and play the way he did in that first innings,” Smith said, acknowledging the importance of experience and stability in Australia’s middle order.

Bowling Strategy and Wicketkeeping Influence

Australia’s pacers have also benefited from wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s strategic positioning. Carey has stood up to the stumps to create pressure and generate key dismissals, as seen in both the Gabba and Adelaide Tests. Scott Boland praised Carey’s judgment and communication, emphasizing the trust between bowler and keeper.

Carey’s role has been particularly impactful, with several wickets falling due to his sharp reactions behind the stumps. This tactical approach allows Australia’s seamers to attack confidently, knowing they have reliable support up front.

Australia’s Probable Playing XI

• Batsmen: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Cameron Green

• Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson

Conclusion

Australia’s decision to field an all-pace attack for the Boxing Day Test demonstrates their tactical flexibility, prioritizing pitch and weather conditions over a traditional spin option. With Steve Smith back in the lineup and a seam-friendly Melbourne pitch, England faces a stern challenge in the fourth Ashes Test.

The 2025 Ashes series continues to be dominated by Australia, as they aim to capitalize on momentum and maintain pressure on the visitors in front of a passionate Boxing Day crowd at the MCG.