Australia Goes All-In on Pace for a Bold Boxing Day Ashes Test Call
So here’s the big talking point heading into the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, and it’s a decision that has raised plenty of eyebrows already. Australia have decided to go into this crucial Ashes clash without a specialist spinner, instead loading up on an all-pace bowling attack to take on England. For a match at the MCG, a ground so closely linked with legendary spinners like Shane Warne and Nathan Lyon, that choice is being seen as both bold and historic.
This decision has been shaped largely by circumstances. Nathan Lyon was ruled out of the rest of the series after suffering a long-term hamstring injury in Adelaide, where Australia sealed the Ashes in dominant fashion. Victorian offspinner Todd Murphy was called into the wider squad as cover, and many expected him to finally get a dream home Boxing Day Test. But when selectors took a close look at the MCG pitch, which was reported to have around 10 millimetres of grass and a very green, “furry” appearance, the call was made to leave Murphy out of the final XI.
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Stand-in captain Steve Smith, who returns to lead the side after battling vertigo symptoms, made it clear that the surface itself drove the decision. It was explained that recent wickets have been far more seam-friendly than spin-friendly, and this one looks set to offer plenty of movement for the quicks, especially with cooler and overcast conditions expected early. Even if Lyon had been fit, the same debate would likely have taken place, which underlines just how strongly the pitch has influenced selection.
As a result, Australia have named a pace-heavy 12-man squad, with Jhye Richardson, Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett all in contention for the final spots. One of those three will miss out, but Richardson’s potential return has created plenty of excitement. After more than four years away from Test cricket due to injuries, his swing, accuracy and skiddy pace are seen as serious weapons if conditions suit.
There have been other notable calls too. Josh Inglis misses out, while veteran Usman Khawaja keeps his place after solid contributions in Adelaide. Cameron Green has been backed again, sliding down the order to No.7, while Alex Carey remains a key figure after his match-winning performances in the previous Test.
With Australia already holding an unassailable 3-0 lead, the focus now shifts to whether this all-out pace gamble pays off. If it does, England’s tough tour could become even more painful, with a rare 5-0 Ashes whitewash firmly in Australia’s sights as the Boxing Day Test gets underway.
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