Name: Smith returns as Australias captain for Boxing Day Test
Uploaded: 2025-12-24T12:14:26.725Z
Duration: 53 s
Description: Australia faces a leadership shift for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain following the absence of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. Several new players may debut as the squad adapts to injuries and uncertainties.

Australia faces a leadership shift for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain following the absence of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. Several new players may debut as the squad adapts to injuries and uncertainties.

Melbourne

The Australian cricket team is preparing for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with significant changes in leadership and lineup. Steve Smith will captain the side due to the absence of Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, both ruled out for the match. 

Training sessions indicate a team in transition, with players like Todd Murphy and Jai Richardson being considered for key roles. The fitness of Cameron Green remains uncertain, and Bo Webster is on standby as a potential replacement. Up to three new players, including Michael Kneiser, Murphy, and Webster, could take the field as Australia aims to maintain its performance in the ongoing Ashes series.

Smith returns as Australia's captain for Boxing Day Test

The Melbourne cricket ground buzzes with anticipation as Australia grapples with a leadership void. With Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon ruled out, Steve Smith steps back into familiar territory as captain for the Boxing Day Test. Training sessions at the G reveal a squad in transition. Off spinner Todd Murphy and fast bowler Jai Richardson work through their paces, potential lifelines in Australia's reshuffled attack. Cameron Green's fitness remains the final piece of the puzzle. With Bo Webster waiting in the wings as his replacement, three new faces could take the field come Boxing Day as Michael Kneiser, Murphy and Webster stand ready to fill the gaps left by Cummins, Lyon and potentially Green. The Ashes series hangs in the balance and Australia's new look team must prove they can rise to the occasion when it matters most.

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