Fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who has not played in the longest format since 2021, has been brought back after fine domestic form on his return from shoulder surgery.
Smith returns with Aussies to pick four quicks for Boxing Day
smith
Jack Paynter, in Melbourne
Stand-in Australian captain says selectors want another look at the MCG surface before settling on their attack for the fourth Test
‘Furry, green’ MCG pitch conducive to all-out pace: Smith
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‘Furry, green’ MCG pitch conducive to all-out pace: Smith
Australia will take an all-pace attack into the Boxing Day Test but stand-in skipper Steve Smith says the hosts are yet to settle on their final XI for the fourth Ashes Test.
Smith said selectors want another look at a “quite furry” MCG surface tomorrow morning before settling on the final make up of their pace attack, with Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and returning quick Jhye Richardson in line to fill the final two spots.
Smith’s return from an inner-ear issue to lead the side in Pat Cummins’ absence means Josh Inglis has been squeezed out of the XI, with veteran batter Usman Khawaja doing enough to hold his spot with scores of 82 and 40 following his late reprieve in Adelaide.
Australia XII for fourth Test: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson
It will be the second time in the series Australia have picked a four-pronged specialist pace attack with Doggett and Neser both playing in the day-night second Test in Brisbane, the latter taking five wickets in the second innings.
If selected on Boxing Day, it will be Neser’s first red ball Test match with his previous three appearances all pink-ball encounters.
