Murphy, Richardson in Australia squad for Boxing Day Test; Lyon, Cummins out

Murphy, Richardson in Australia squad for Boxing Day Test; Lyon, Cummins out

Australia have called up off-spinner Todd Murphy and fast bowler Jhye Richardson to the squad for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. They replace Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins, who are omitted. Steve Smith is expected to return and captain the side in Cummins's absence, pending recovery from an inner-ear issue.

Australia squad for Boxing Day Test: Steve Smith (c), 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

Nathan Lyon requires surgery after tearing his right hamstring on Day 5 of the third Test in Adelaide. Todd Murphy is now in line for a home Test return, having last played the format in Sri Lanka in February.

Pat Cummins steps back to manage his workload post-recovery, as he hinted after the Adelaide series win. His availability for the New Year's Test in Sydney is uncertain.

If selected, Jhye Richardson could end a four-year Test absence, last playing in the 2021 Ashes. After a third shoulder surgery this year, he has been training with the squad and recently bowled 26 overs, taking a five-wicket haul against England Lions.