Australia have already won the Ashes series, but concerns over selection are set to arise before the upcoming match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), as skipper Pat Cummins has expressed a possible absence at the Boxing Day Test and regular spinner Nathan Lyon is running out of time due to his injury.
Pat Cummins open to rest after Ashes triumph
Although he played a crucial role in Australia’s thumping victory in the third Test, it appears that rest would be the best alternative for him in the future, as suggested by Cummins himself, who missed the first two matches of the Test series owing to issues with his lower back. However, he came back with a bang in the third Test, taking three crucial wickets in both innings of the Test.
Although Cummins was feeling physically fit, he also accepted the fact that, with the Ashes series already won, a re-evaluation of risks may be done regarding key personnel.
“Now that the series has been won, perhaps the risk could be reassessed. I’d be very surprised if I played at Melbourne,” said Pat Cummins.
A final call on whether he will be available for the Test at Sydney will be made later, following talks with the management.
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Nathan Lyon Injury Clouds
Australia’s worries do not end there, as experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon has been sidelined by a right hamstring injury on the fifth day of the Adelaide Test. Lyon was forced to leave the ground while fielding and was even spotted on crutches, drawing question marks over whether he’ll play in the MCG Test.
In fact, Cummins admitted that the prospects did not look very promising
“Sighting someone on crickets doesn’t bode well with a Test match next week,” said Pat Cummins.
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In case Lyon is ruled out, Australia may look at Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, and untested Corey Rocchiccioli as alternative contenders.
Steve Smith To Return; Usman Khawaja To Remain
On the batting front, there are positive developments with Steve Smith likely to play in the fourth test after missing the Adelaide test because of symptoms of vertigo. His return is likely to cause an upheaval in the order.
Usman Khawaja, who performed well with a crucial knock of 82 in the first innings, is likely to keep his place in the side, possibly at No.5 to accommodate a spot for Steve Smith at No.4, his preferred position. The likely victim to make way for this could be Josh Inglis.
Pace Attack Rotation Still Unclear
Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland have played in all three tests thus far, but none of them have ruled out chances of getting back in action despite having a tight schedule. According to Pat Cummins, Australia has enough bowlers in reserve in case rotation is required.
The backup bowlers include Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, and Jhye Richardson, who has been maintaining his regular team workload in the Big Bash League through net sessions.
“Anyone telling Starc or Bolang that they’ll miss the Boxing Day test if they are fit will find it very tough,” said Cummins.
Final Call Pending Ahead of Boxing Day Test With injury and team management at the forefront of their concerns, Australia are expected to hold off on their final team choices by at least 48 hours. Although Pat Cummins is likely to miss out on playing in Melbourne, they are confident about their reserves.
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