What will Australia’s playing XI look like for the Boxing Day Test? A player can stay on the bench for five days

Australia’s probable XI for the Boxing Day Test: Steve Smith is set to return for the Boxing Day Test against England as Australia have decided to include four fast bowlers in their 12-man squad, while spinner Todd Murphy, who replaced Nathan Lyon, has not been named in the squad. From 2021, longest-serving fast bowler Zay Richardson, who has been doing well in domestic cricket since undergoing shoulder surgery, has been brought back.

Smith was dropped from the Adelaide Test

Brendan Doggett, who played in the first two Tests, and Michael Nesser, who played in the pink-ball match, have also been named in the squad. Australia have chosen to use all-pace bowlers. Speaking to the media on Thursday, December 25, Smith said, “You just have to play on the surface you get.” Smith missed the third Test in Adelaide due to dizziness

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29-year-old left-arm fast bowler Zay Richardson’s last international match in the red-ball format was against England in December 2021, where he took five wickets to lead his team to a 275-run win. Steve Smith said of him, “It’s exciting to see Richardson back in the team. He’s been out for a long time with injury and we know the incredible skill he has. He’s done it before in the Ashes against England. We’ve seen him excel when he’s given the chance at this level.”

Australia’s 12-member squad

Travis Head, Jake Weatherold, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Nesser and Zay Richardson

With Steve Smith unable to play in the Adelaide Test, Usman Khawaja easily filled the middle order. However, looking at the current 12-man squad, Smith’s inclusion suggests that Usman Khawaja may be kept on the bench for the Melbourne Test. However, many experts have recommended keeping him in the Test playing XI. It is worth noting that Khawaja got his place in the team by sacrificing Josh English.