Australia are being forced to make three changes to their starting XI for the Boxing Day Test against England.
Captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon will be forced out with injury, while Steve Smith is expected to return to the side as skipper.
This means the Aussies will need to drop a batter and bring in two bowlers for the match - which begins on December 26
It's likely Jhye Richardson will come into the team to replace Cummins after being parachuted into the squad before Adelaide, while Victorian spinner Todd Murphy should get the nod on his home deck for Lyon.
Josh Inglis or Usman Khawaja appear to be the main contenders to be axed for Smith, with the veteran of the two likely to survive after making runs in Adelaide.
Jake Weatherald and Cameron Green struggled to perform in Adelaide but both look likely to get another chance to impress in Melbourne.
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Australia Ashes XI predicted - Boxing Day fourth Test vs. England
IN: Steve Smith, Todd Murphy, Jhye Richardson
OUT: Josh Inglis, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins
- Travis Head
- Jake Weatherald
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Usman Khawaja
- Cameron Green
- Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
- Mitchell Starc
- Jhye Richardson
- Todd Murphy
- Scott Boland
Test match schedule for the 2025/26 Ashes - Australia vs. England
First Test, Perth Stadium, Perth
November 21-25 - Australia win by eight wickets (AUS 1-0)
Second Test, The Gabba, Brisbane (D/N)
December 4-8 - Australia win by eight wickets (AUS 2-0)
Third Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
December 17-21 - Australia won by 82 runs (AUS 3-0)
Fourth Test, MCG, Melbourne
December 26-30
Fifth Test, SCG, Sydney
January 4-8