Boxing Day Ashes Test: Australia announced an all-pace squad

MELBOURNE: Australia has announced a 12-man squad for the Boxing Day Test of the Ashes series, which gets underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26. The selection highlights Australia’s preference for an all-pace attack, with no specialist spinner included in the squad.

According to the team announcement, Australia will take the field in Melbourne without a spinner, as off-spinner Todd Murphy has been left out of the 12-man squad. Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis has also not been included. The final playing eleven will be confirmed on the morning of the match, with two players to be selected from Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser, and Brendan Doggett.

The squad sees the return of senior batter Steven Smith, who had captained the side in the absence of Pat Cummins and is back after recovering from illness. His availability is a boost for the Australian batting lineup ahead of the crucial Test.

Star batsman Usman Khawaja has retained his place in the side and is set to bat at number five. Meanwhile, all-rounder Cameron Green has been moved down the order to number seven following a run of poor form.

The selection reflects Australia’s confidence in its fast-bowling resources at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), traditionally known to assist pace bowlers, as the hosts aim to maintain momentum in the Ashes series.