The Ashes: Australia omit spinner for Boxing Day Test on ‘grassy’ Melbourne pitch
Australia will not be fielding a spinner in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne who stand-in captain Steve Smith described as “quite furry, quite green”.
The home side have named a 12-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test against England, which starts on Friday (Thursday 23:30 GMT).
The group features only specialist pace bowlers, meaning off-spinner Todd Murphy misses out.
Smith, who is captained by Pat Cummins, said Australia will field four seamers as well as all-rounder Cameron Green. Michael Neser, Brendon Doggett and Jhye Richardson are competing for two places in the final XI.
Smith returns after missing the third Test due to illness. Usman Khawaja was initially left out of the third Test, then replaced Smith and scored 82 and 40 in Adelaide.
Khawaja is being held in Melbourne at Josh Inglis’ expense. Khawaja will bat at five, while all-rounder Green will drop to seven.
The previous Ashes Test in Melbourne in 2021 ended within three days with England trailing by 185 and 68 points.
“I think he has a lot to offer,” Smith said at his Christmas Day press conference.
“Tomorrow looks to be similar to today’s conditions; pretty cold and overcast. There’s going to be a lot of movement on that surface.”
Smith said 10mm of grass was found on the surface, leading to the feathery and green description.
Australia have already won the Ashes after taking a 3-0 lead in the first three Tests. The home side are now aiming for a fourth 5-0 win, while England look to end their 18-match winning streak in this country.
Many of the England players and staff were wearing Santa hats as players from both sides trained side by side in the nets on Christmas morning.
Families came to spend time in the outfield of the Melbourne Cricket Ground before the teams left for the celebration.
Australia captain Cummins was once again absent as he continues to recover from a back problem, while bowler Josh Hazlewood missed the entire series.
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon suffered a series-ending hamstring injury in the third Test in Adelaide, which meant Murphy was called into the squad.
However, the home team will instead choose between Doggett, Neser and Richardson.
