Australia’s big blast before the Boxing Day Test, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon out of the team, now the command is in the hands of Steve Smith.

News India Live, Digital Desk: If you are a fan of cricket, then the Boxing Day Test to be held in Melbourne (MCG) will be no less than a festival for you. The Ashes Series 2025 is in its most exciting phase and Australia has already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. But amid this celebration of victory, a news has come which has shocked the cricket world. Australia has announced its squad for the Test match against England starting on December 26, and the biggest news is that team captain Pat Cummins and one of the world’s best spinners, Nathan Lyon, will not be a part of this match. Why are these two greats left out? Cricket Australia has confirmed that This decision has been taken keeping in mind the fitness of the players and the long race. Pat Cummins: It is reported that Captain Cummins has been given ‘rest’. Since Australia has won the ‘Ashes Urn’ in Adelaide, the management does not want to take any risk regarding their captain’s chronic back issue. Cummins will now focus on recovery after the series. Nathan Lyon: At the same time, there is bad news for the fans of Nathan Lyon. Lyon suffered a hamstring injury while fielding during the Adelaide Test. This injury is so serious that he will now have to undergo surgery, which means that he is out of not only the Boxing Day Test but also the rest of the series. Who is in command now? When ‘Captain Cummins’ is not there, the reins of the team have once again been handed over to the old veteran Steve Smith. Smith, who could not play in the Adelaide Test due to illness, will now make a direct comeback as captain. His experience will prove to be a big challenge for England on the MCG ground. Who has entered? (Replacements) The exit of these two veterans has opened the doors for young players. Todd Murphy: Young off-spinner Todd Murphy has been included in the squad in place of Nathan Lyon. This is the biggest opportunity for Murphy to prove himself at home. Jhye Richardson: Jhye Richardson has also returned to the squad to strengthen the fast bowling attack. England has a chance to save face. Even though Australia has won the series, England would like to save its face at any cost on the historic ground of Melbourne. The absence of Cummins and Lyon is no less than a sigh of relief for the British. Now it will be interesting to see whether this new team under the leadership of Steve Smith is able to keep alive the dream of ‘whitewashing’ England or whether England will counterattack.