Melbourne, 25 December (H.S.): Australia gears up for an all-pace attack against England in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, December 26, with stand-in captain Steve Smith confirming the inclusion of four specialist fast bowlers.

Selectors remain cautious about the pitch, which features about 10 mm of grass and appears quite green and firm, finalizing the XI after inspecting it closer to the match.This marks the second time in the series Australia opts for four quicks, following the Brisbane day-night Test where Michael Neser claimed five wickets in the second innings.

Steve Smith, returning from an inner-ear issue that sidelined him previously, assumes captaincy in Pat Cummins' absence due to workload management, while Nathan Lyon sits out with a hamstring injury. His comeback displaces wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis, with Usman Khawaja retaining his spot after scores of 82 and 40 in Adelaide and shifting to number five—his first Test batting there in nearly four years.

The batting order features Travis Head and Jake Weatherald opening, Marnus Labuschagne at three, Smith at four, Khawaja at five, Alex Carey at six (after 106 and 72 in recent knocks), and allrounder Cameron Green at seven.

The attack locks in Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, with the final two spots contested by Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Jhye Richardson, who returns to the Test side after a long injury layoff. Should Neser play, it would be his first red-ball Test, having featured in three pink-ball matches previously; Richardson eyes his first Test in four years, having impressed against England in past Ashes encounters.

Smith praised Richardson's potential, noting, It's exciting to have him back in the team after a long time out with injury. We know how much ability he has.

Post-Christmas morning training on Thursday, December 25, the 12-man squad was named: 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.

Smith added, We'll have another look at the pitch. We're playing four quicks and no spinner. The weather looks cool and cloudy, which should help the quicks.

Victorian spinner Todd Murphy's dream of a home Boxing Day Test is deferred.Australia leads the series 3-0; no accidents marred preparations, though past MCG Tests have seen occasional slips on dew-affected outfields.

England's XI comprises Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue. Smith affirmed his full fitness: I feel 100 percent now. Missing the last Test was disappointing, but it was the right call then.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar