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The Ashes LIVE from 12Pace aces to spearhead Australia's Boxing Day Test
Oliver Caffrey, AAP • December 26th, 2025 8:14 am
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson is tipped to play his first Test for Australia since 2021 | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
Pace ace Jhye Richardson is set to play his first Test in more than four years as Australia look to hit England with a barrage of pace.
With up to 10mm grass on the pitch, Australia have boldly chosen to go without a frontline spinner in a MCG Test for the first time in more than 40 years as they attempt a 5-0 Ashes whitewash.
After being called into the squad to replace the injured Nathan Lyon, Victorian offspinner Todd Murphy's wait to play his first Test in Australia continues.
At his Christmas Day press conference, stand-in captain Steve Smith - who returns following his struggles with vertigo symptoms - confirmed Murphy had missed out.
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Smith took the unusual step of confirming a 12-man squad, instead waiting until the toss on Friday to name the XI.
"(The pitch) has 10mm of grass, quite furry, quite green," Smith said.
"I dare say it's going to offer quite a bit, particular (day one) is similar conditions to (Thursday), quite cold and overcast so I dare say there's going to be quite a bit of movement."
Australia get the inside word on the MCG wicket | Photo: Con Chronis/AAP
Quicks Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, who played in the second Test win in Brisbane, are in contention to return.
The former Queensland teammates are battling it out with Western Australian Richardson for the remaining bowling spot.
Richardson last played for Australia in December 2021 when he starred with five wickets in a 275-run win against England in Adelaide.
If Australia are after some spin during this Test they will need to turn to Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.
Since the Boxing Day Test became a regular fixture of the summer, Australia have always picked a frontline spinner at the MCG.
Travis Head may be needed to bowl some spin along with Marnus Labuschagne | Photo: Con Chronis/AAP
The closest they came to not picking one was in a heavy loss to England in 2010 when they chose Steve Smith, who was beginning his career more as a legspinner than a star batter.
But Smith still bowled 18 overs in England's only innings of the Test.
After retaining the Ashes in only 11 days, Australia will look to continue England's tour of misery by completing a 5-0 whitewash for the first time since 2013-14.
Jofra Archer, a rare highlight for England during this series, will miss the Melbourne and Sydney Tests with a side strain.
Out-of-form England No.3 Ollie Pope has been dropped, replaced by promising youngster Jacob Bethell.
England are reeling following confirmation their drinking habits during a trip to Noosa after the Brisbane Test would be investigated.
The tourists have not won a Test in Australia since January 2011, having lost 16 and drawn two in the 15 years since.
AUSTRALIA: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett.
Tune into Sport Nation for live ball-by-ball commentary of The Ashes series - the fourth Test begins Boxing Day from 12pm - thanks to SEN.
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