Jhye Richardson is set to make his return to Australia’s Test squad for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, nearly a year after undergoing shoulder surgery to fix long-standing issues. With Pat Cummins ruled out for the rest of the Ashes series and Nathan Lyon sidelined with a hamstring injury, Australia need to strengthen their pace and spin options for the fourth Test against England. Richardson has been training with the Test group and completed a gradual comeback through grade cricket, Australia A matches and the Big Bash League.

Richardson’s road back from shoulder surgery

Richardson last featured in Australia’s Test squad exactly one year ago, for the Boxing Day Test against India in December 2024. Shortly after that match, he decided to undergo shoulder surgery to address persistent problems that had plagued his career. The surgery ruled him out of action for nearly 12 months, but Cricket Australia’s selectors always hoped he would be ready for the later stages of the Ashes.

His return to cricket has been carefully managed. He started by playing grade cricket before appearing for a Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions. Richardson then featured for Australia A against the Lions, where he increased his workload and took five wickets across 26 overs, showing he was ready for higher-level cricket again.

Richardson missed Perth Scorchers’ first BBL match because he was with the Test squad in Adelaide, but returned for the record-breaking clash against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. He made an immediate impact, striking with his first ball to dismiss Colin Munro, though he also overstepped when he would have claimed Matt Renshaw.

Australia’s pace attack needs reinforcement

With Cummins sitting out the rest of the series and Josh Hazlewood already ruled out due to injury, Australia’s pace resources have been tested throughout the Ashes. Mitchell Starc has led the attack superbly, while Scott Boland has been excellent in his appearances. However, adding Richardson to the squad gives Australia another quality pace option for Melbourne and potentially Sydney.

Richardson has played only three Tests since his debut in 2018-19, taking 11 wickets at an average of 22.09. His career has been hampered by injuries, but when fit, he has shown genuine Test-class ability with his pace and bounce. Other options available to the selectors include Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, who took a five-wicket haul in Brisbane earlier in the series.

Cummins himself confirmed after Adelaide that he was unlikely to play in Melbourne now that the Ashes had been won. He said,

“We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that it’s the Ashes there to be won and we thought that was worth it. Now that the series has been won, there might be a sense of job’s done and let’s reassess the risk.”

However, Cummins made it clear that neither Starc nor Boland would be rested if they are fully fit. He said,

“Good luck to anyone telling Starcy or even Scotty Boland that they’re going to miss a Boxing Day Test if they’re fully fit.”

Todd Murphy likely to replace Nathan Lyon

Australia also need to find a replacement for Nathan Lyon, who suffered a hamstring injury on the final day in Adelaide and will undergo surgery. Todd Murphy is the frontrunner to take Lyon’s place, having played Test cricket before and performed well in different conditions. Western Australia’s Corey Rocchiccioli could earn a first call-up, while left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, who had a successful tour of Sri Lanka earlier in 2024 and also toured the West Indies, is another option.

Steve Smith to captain, batting order decisions pending

With Cummins out, Steve Smith will resume the captaincy for the Boxing Day Test, provided he has fully recovered from the vertigo issues that forced him to withdraw just before the toss in Adelaide. Smith captained Australia in the first two Tests before Cummins returned for Adelaide.

The selectors also have a decision to make about the batting order. Usman Khawaja was recalled at the last minute for Adelaide when Smith pulled out, and he responded with a solid 82 runs in 40 overs. His performance may have been enough to keep his place ahead of Josh Inglis, especially if Travis Head continues to open the batting alongside the other opener.

Likely Changes for Boxing Day Test