Steve Smith to Captain Australia in Boxing Day Test Against England

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the playing XII for the fourth Ashes Test against England, scheduled to take place on December 26 at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground. With regular captain Pat Cummins rested due to a recent back injury, Steve Smith will lead the team as they aim to extend their commanding 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

In a strategic decision, Australia will field an all-pace bowling attack for the Boxing Day Test. Smith, who missed the third Test in Adelaide, indicated that the selectors are yet to finalize the playing XI. “We want another look at the quite furry MCG surface tomorrow morning before settling on the final make-up of our pace attack,” he stated. Fast bowlers Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and returning quick Jhye Richardson are vying for the last two spots in the lineup.

Smith’s return to the captaincy comes after he recovered from an inner-ear issue. His presence means that wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has been left out of the playing XI. Veteran batter Usman Khawaja retains his position in the team, following impressive performances with scores of 82 and 40 in Adelaide.

It is noteworthy that this will be the second time in the series that Australia has opted for a full pace attack. Both Doggett and Neser participated in the day-night second Test in Brisbane, with Neser claiming five wickets in the second innings. Should Neser be selected for the Boxing Day match, it will mark his first red-ball Test, as he has previously only played in pink-ball encounters.

Cummins’ decision to rest comes after he recently returned from injury, and there is a possibility he may feature in the final Test of the series, which is set to begin in Sydney on January 4, 2024.

Australia’s squad for the fourth Test includes: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Jhye Richardson.

As the series progresses, the focus will remain on how Australia performs under Smith’s leadership in what promises to be an exciting contest at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.