Australia will head into the final two Ashes Tests without two of their most experienced campaigners after captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon were officially ruled out of the remainder of the series due to injury concerns.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday that Cummins will play no further role in the Ashes, while Lyon is set to undergo surgery after sustaining a serious hamstring injury. The developments come after Australia secured the Ashes urn with convincing victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, leaving the hosts with an unassailable series lead.
Cummins made a successful return in the third Test in Adelaide following a lower back issue and played a pivotal role in the 82-run win, claiming six wickets across the match. However, team management opted not to risk the fast bowler any further, prioritising his long-term fitness.
Speaking to cricket.com.au, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the decision had been planned in advance. He explained that while Cummins’ return involved some calculated risk, the primary objective was to regain the Ashes. With that goal achieved, the focus has shifted to protecting the skipper ahead of future international commitments, including the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next year.
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Cummins is expected to begin a recovery program aimed at full fitness, with selectors unwilling to jeopardise his availability for major tournaments.
In Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith will resume captaincy duties for the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Smith previously led the side in the opening two Tests and returns after missing Adelaide due to vertigo symptoms. During that match, Usman Khawaja stepped in at number four and delivered valuable contributions of 82 and 40.
Meanwhile, Lyon’s setback represents a significant blow to Australia’s bowling depth. The 38-year-old injured his right hamstring while attempting to save a boundary on the final day in Adelaide. Despite the injury, Lyon managed to claim his 564th Test wicket, moving past Glenn McGrath into sixth place on the all-time Test wicket-takers list.
Cricket Australia confirmed Lyon will undergo surgery, ruling him out for an extended period. Rising off-spinner Todd Murphy has been named as his replacement and is set to make his first home Test appearance, having previously featured only in overseas matches, most recently in Sri Lanka.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson has also been recalled to the Test squad after a four-year absence, marking a significant comeback following multiple shoulder surgeries.
With Cummins sidelined, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are expected to spearhead the pace attack. Starc, the leading wicket-taker of the series, has impressed with 22 wickets at an average of just over 17 and has also contributed valuable runs down the order.
McDonald praised Starc’s durability and consistency, highlighting his workload across the series and his continued ability to deliver high-pace spells.
Australia’s updated squad reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent as the team looks to close out the Ashes series strongly despite the absence of two key players.
Australia squad: Steve Smith (capt), 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
