Australia's cricket team prepares for the Boxing Day test with key bowlers Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon ruled out, opening opportunities for new players. Scott Boland expresses confidence in the team's depth and readiness.

Melbourne

Australia's cricket team is set for a significant bowling lineup change before the upcoming Boxing Day test, following the absence of captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon for the rest of the series. Scott Boland highlighted the team's depth, noting that several fringe players, including spinner Todd Murphy and pace bowlers Michael Knezer, Brendan Doggett, and Jai Richardson, are ready to step up.

Boland expressed particular confidence in Murphy's temperament and advised him to enjoy the opportunity if selected. He also emphasized the competitive nature of the squad, with no guaranteed spots and all bowlers eager to perform, as Australia aims to maintain its strength against England at the MCG.

Australia faces bowling reshuffle ahead of Boxing Day test

Australia's bowling attack is facing a major reshuffle ahead of the crucial Boxing Day test, but Scott Boland believes the team's depth will shine through. With captain Pat Cummins and star spinner Nathan Lyon both ruled out for the remainder of the series, opportunities are opening up for several fringe players. Boland is particularly confident about potential spinner Todd Murphy. Yeah, obviously if he gets a chance to be really excited. Todd's probably the most level-headed young bloke you'll come across, so I don't think he'll be overawed too much. Obviously it's a lot different playing at the G in a shield game or at the junction compared to playing a test match, so my advice would be just for him to soak it in and really enjoy the moment because you never know when your next one's going to come. The bowling depth extends beyond spin, with Michael Knezer, Brendan Doggett and Jai Richardson all competing for the pace bowling spot left vacant by Cummins. I think it shows the strength we've got, that we've got three really good guys who can come in and we know they can do the job. I'm sure that we're all hungry to keep performing and none of us are really guaranteed a spot when we're at full strength, so we just want to keep putting our best foot forward as much as we can. Australia's selection headaches are England's nightmare scenario. The depth chart runs deep and the MCG awaits another Boxing Day masterclass.

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