Steve Smith Cleared to Lead Australia; All-Pace Attack for Boxing Day Test

Steve Smith has been cleared to lead Australia in the Boxing Day Test after fully recovering from an inner-ear issue.

The final XI for the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be confirmed on match morning, with selectors taking one last look at the pitch.

With the Ashes already secured, Australia will be without regular captain Pat Cummins and injured off-spinner Nathan Lyon. The pitch, described by Smith as “quite furry” with around 10mm of grass, is expected to favor fast bowlers, particularly in cool and overcast conditions forecast for day one.

“I had a few bad days before the Adelaide Test while my vestibular issues settled. It was frustrating to miss that one, as it looked like a nice wicket for batting,” Smith said. “I watched from the hotel and knew it was the right call at the time.”

Australia’s probable squad includes: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Jhye Richardson.

Australia will go without a specialist spinner, putting Todd Murphy’s hopes for a home Boxing Day debut on hold. Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, and Jhye Richardson are competing for the final pace spots alongside Starc and Boland. Richardson, returning after nearly four years out due to injury, is edging closer to a Test comeback.

Smith expressed optimism about Richardson’s return, highlighting his proven impact at the highest level. The batting order has been slightly reshuffled: Josh Inglis misses out, Usman Khawaja moves to No.5, Alex Carey remains at No.6 after match-winning innings in the last Test, and Cameron Green will bat at seven.

Smith said he is feeling “100 per cent” and ready to lead as Australia looks to maintain their dominance at the MCG despite the enforced changes.