Ashes 2025: Australia has announced a 12-member squad for the fourth Test

The fourth Test of the 2025 Ashes series between Australia and England will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26th. Australia announced their 12-member squad for the Boxing Day Test on Thursday. The Australian team will select their playing XI for the fourth Test before the match. Australia has already won the Ashes series and will now be looking to extend their lead to 4-0. Meanwhile, the struggling England team will be hoping to bounce back and reduce the series deficit to 3-1.

Australian captain Steve Smith said after the final training session that the selectors wanted to take a closer look at the pitch before finalizing the playing XI. Smith described the pitch as bouncy and said the grass was about 10 mm long. This means the fast bowlers are likely to get considerable assistance. Rain is expected on the first day, which will add moisture and further benefit the seamers.

Steve Smith said The days leading up to the Adelaide Test were very difficult, and the situation wasn't good before that match either. But I'm feeling much better now. It's a shame I couldn't play in the Adelaide Test, because it was a fantastic pitch for batting. I was watching the match from the hotel, and I wish I had been playing. But the decision not to play was the right one because I was struggling.

Australia 12-member squad for the fourth match against England

1. Travis Head
2. Jack Wildermuth
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith (captain)
5. Usman Khawaja
6. Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
7. Cameron Green
8. Mitchell Starc
9. Scott Boland
10. Michael Neser
11. Brendan Doggett
12. Jhye Richardson

The Australian team will field a pace-heavy bowling attack in the fourth Test. The Australians have not included any spinners in their squad. It's worth noting that Todd Murphy had replaced Nathan Lyon in the team. Meanwhile, the hosts have intensified the competition for a place in the final XI between Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Jhye Richardson. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are certain to play. Richardson could get a chance to play after four years.

Also Read: Top 5 Indian batsmen with the most runs in List A cricket history