Steve Smith returns to lead Australia in Boxing Day Test:Josh Inglis out, Aussies to field all-pace bowling attack in Melbourne

Australia have announced their playing XII for the Boxing Day Test, which is the fourth match of the Ashes 2025 in Melbourne. The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the Boxing Day Test and it will start on 26 December at 5:00 AM IST. Australia have already won the Ashes 3-0, retaining the urn in 11 days. Steve Smith, who had missed the third Test in Adelaide due to ‘nausea and dizziness’, has returned to the team and will captain Australia in the fourth Test. Pat Cummins, who led Australia to an 82-run victory in Adelaide, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes. Also read: ECB to investigate drinking allegations on England player during Ashes: WATCH | viral video of Ben Duckett at Noosa after 2nd Test loss vs Australia
Australia to field all-pace attack in Melbourne Australia will field an all-pace attack in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Captain Smith stated that the selectors will have another look at the ‘quite furry’ MCG surface before finalising their pace attack for the Boxing Day Test. Pacers Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and returning quick Jhye Richardson are among the contenders to fill up the two remaining spots in Australia’s playing XI. Apart from Cummins, off-spinner Nathan Lyon also been ruled out of the remaining two Tests after undergoing hamstring surgery. Usman Khawaja will retain his place in Australia’s playing XI with scores of 82 and 40 in Adelaide. Josh Inglis, meanwhile, has been left out of Australia’s playing XII. Also read: Rohit, Virat end 2025 as 1-2 in ODI rankings: Tilak Varma moves to 3rd spot in T20I batters’ rankings, Jasprit Bumrah gains 10 spots Jofra Archer ruled out for England England also announced their playing XI for the Melbourne Test. Jofra Archer, who took a five-wicket haul and also scored a half-century in Adelaide, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes. Gus Atkinson has replaced Archer while Jacob Bethell has been included by England in their playing XI in place of Ollie Pope. Australia XII for fourth Test: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson England playing XI for fourth Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue