Australia are leaning towards another bold selection call for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, with Jhye Richardson a strong chance to make his first Test appearance in four years as the hosts lock in an all-pace bowling attack on a green, seam-friendly surface.
Steven Smith, captaining again in Pat Cummins’ absence, confirmed Australia will finalize their fast-bowling combination on the morning of the match, choosing two from Richardson, Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett. Offspinner Todd Murphy has been left out of the trimmed 12-man squad, while Josh Inglis has also been omitted following the Adelaide Test.
All-Pace Strategy Backed by Green MCG Conditions
The MCG pitch had around 10mm of grass a day out from the match and has been described by Smith as “quite furry, quite green,” with cool and overcast conditions forecast for the opening day. For the second time in the series—and the third time in Australia’s last five Tests—the team is prepared to play without a specialist spinner.
Smith said the conditions are expected to offer significant movement for the seamers, making an all-pace attack the logical option. He added that even if Nathan Lyon had been available following his hamstring injury, Australia would still have debated leaving out a spinner due to how seam-friendly recent pitches have been.
The decision, Smith stressed, is not a reflection of Todd Murphy’s ability. The young offspinner remains highly rated and is considered a strong chance to return for the Sydney Test next week.
Jhye Richardson’s Comeback and Key Batting Changes
If selected, Richardson will play his first Test since the 2021–22 Ashes. After opting for shoulder surgery last year, he has gradually built his workload through Cricket Australia XI and Australia A matches against the England Lions. Team management has confirmed he would not face any workload restrictions.
Smith praised Richardson’s skill set, highlighting his ability to swing the ball both ways, seam it, and maintain accuracy at good pace. His slightly shorter height and skiddier style could be especially effective on a lively MCG surface.
In the batting order, Usman Khawaja has retained his spot after a late call-up in Adelaide and will bat at No. 5. Australia will continue with the Jake Weatherald–Travis Head opening combination, while Cameron Green has been pushed down to No. 7, below Alex Carey, as he struggles for runs this series. Josh Inglis makes way after failing to convert starts in Brisbane and Adelaide.
Despite some speculation that Beau Webster could replace him, selectors have shown faith in Green, valuing his all-round contributions. Smith acknowledged Green’s lack of big scores but backed his talent, bowling improvements, and outstanding fielding, particularly in the gully.
Australia’s frequent changes throughout the series—some forced by injury and others tactical—have paid dividends so far. Smith credited the team’s success to collective effort rather than individual brilliance, singling out Mitchell Starc, Alex Carey and Travis Head among those who have stood up at crucial moments.
Strong fielding and key catches have also played a decisive role, helping Australia seize momentum in tight phases of the series as they head into the iconic Boxing Day Test with confidence and clarity in selection.
