Steve Smith has confirmed there will be no Ashes call up for Victorian tweaker Todd Murphy in the absence of injured Nathan Lyon.
Speaking ahead of the fourth Test on Boxing Day, the stand-in Australian captain also revealed Josh Inglis has been dropped with Usman Khawaja retaining his place in the middle order after a strong showing in Adelaide.
Under fire Cameron Green has once again held his place ahead of Beau Webster, however the all-rounder will bat at seven behind Alex Carey in Melbourne—continuing a worrying slide down the Australian batting order.
The news of Murphy missing out means the pace trio of Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett and Jhye Richardson are vying for two places in the starting XI in a four-pronged pace attack led by Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.
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Explaining the thinking of going into the MCG Test without a front-line spinner, Smith pointed to the ‘quite furry, quite green’ MCG pitch condition which could make a tricky decision for whichever captain wins the toss.
“I think even if Nathan (Lyon) was here we’d probably still be having the same conversation, it’s certainly nothing to do with Todd’s skill, he’s a quality bowler,” Smith said.
“(The pitch has) 10mm of grass—I dare say it’s going to offer quite a bit.
“The forecast looks cold and overcast on day one, so there’s going to be quite a bit of movement in that surface.”
Australian XII for Boxing Day Ashes 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