Melbourne, 23 December (H.S.): Australia suffered a major setback ahead of the Boxing Day Ashes Test on Tuesday, with veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon ruled out due to a serious right hamstring tear sustained while fielding on the final day of the Adelaide Test, necessitating surgery that will sideline the 38-year-old for an extended period.

Cricket Australia confirmed 25-year-old off-spinner Todd Murphy's inclusion in the 15-member squad as Lyon's replacement, preferred over Matthew Kuhnemann, Corey Rocchiccioli, and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson; Murphy boasts 22 wickets from seven Tests—all overseas—with impressive Sheffield Shield figures at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Pacer Jhye Richardson, returning to the Test fold after four years post-shoulder surgery, joins the squad alongside Murphy, positioning him in contention for selection amid ongoing debates over the pace attack.

Australian captain Pat Cummins will miss the fourth Test due to a back issue under his workload management plan, paving the way for Steve Smith to resume leadership duties, subject to clearance from his recent inner-ear problem.

Cummins' absence opens a pace spot contested by Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Richardson, whose Test participation remains uncertain post-recovery; in batting, Usman Khawaja's recent 82 and 40 in Adelaide bolster his case, while Josh Inglis has struggled at number seven.

MCG curator Matt Page hinted at potential spin assistance this time, akin to recent Shield matches and the India Test, marking a possible first home Test with a lone specialist spinner beyond Lyon in 14 years if Murphy plays.

Full Squad

Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar