MELBOURNE — Australia’s cricket team faces significant roster changes ahead of the final Ashes Tests against England, with captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon both ruled out due to injuries. The announcement came Tuesday as Cricket Australia unveiled a revised 15-man squad for the upcoming matches.
Cummins, who recently returned from a lower-back injury to lead Australia to victory in Adelaide, will miss the remainder of series as a precautionary measure. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the decision, stating, ‘We were taking on some risk with his return. Having now secured the series, our priority is ensuring his long-term fitness ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup.’
Lyon’s situation appears more severe, with the 38-year-old spinner requiring surgery for a torn right hamstring sustained during fielding operations in Adelaide. His injury sidelines him for what Cricket Australia describes as ‘an extended period,’ interrupting a remarkable career that recently saw him claim his 564th Test wicket to surpass compatriot Glenn McGrath on the all-time bowling list.
Their replacements bring fresh dynamics to the squad. Spinner Todd Murphy, who has represented Australia in seven overseas Tests, now stands to make his home debut. Meanwhile, pace bowler Jhye Richardson returns to Test cricket after a four-year absence during which he underwent three shoulder surgeries.
Leadership duties will fall to Steve Smith, who previously captained during Cummins’ absence in the first two Tests. Smith returns after missing the Adelaide match due to vertigo symptoms, necessitating at least three lineup changes. Usman Khawaja, who scored impressively as Smith’s replacement, appears likely to retain his position.
The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, both recovering well from Adelaide exertions. Starc has emerged as the series’ standout performer with 22 wickets at an average of 17.04, including a career-best 7-58 in Perth, while also contributing 150 valuable runs with the bat.
McDonald praised Starc’s remarkable endurance: ‘He’s amazing. He keeps running in and presenting the pace that he does. There’s much to be learned about targeting the right matches at the right time.’ The coach’s comments highlight Australia’s strategic approach to player management despite having already retained the Ashes urn through victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.