Australia pick all-pace attack for Boxing Day
Australia pick all-pace attack for Boxing Day: With the urn already secured, Australia’s aim in Melbourne is pure dominance: a fourth consecutive victory. But the path to that win required a bold, unorthodox selection call, dictated by the cold, green heart of the MCG pitch.
The Seam Gambit
Injury had already ruled out master spinner Nathan Lyon. His replacement, Todd Murphy, was in the squad. Yet, stand-in skipper Steve Smith, returning to lead the side, unveiled a radical plan: an all-pace attack.
The decision was etched in the grass of the wicket. “We’re going in with four quicks and no spinner,” Smith declared. “It has 10mm of grass, quite furry, quite green… I dare say there’s going to be quite a bit of movement.”
The final XI will be confirmed after a Christmas morning inspection, but the strategy is set. Smith was adamant this was about conditions, not capability. “If Nathan was available, we’d probably still be having the same conversation. It’s certainly nothing to do with Todd’s skill.”
Smith’s Return and Khawaja’s Reward
Smith returns after an inner-ear issue sidelined him in Adelaide, a match he watched wistfully from his hotel. “It was a shame to miss that one… I wished I could have been out there.”
His absence, however, opened the door for Usman Khawaja. Initially not in the plans, the 39-year-old was promoted to bat at No. 4 and seized his chance with scores of 82 and 40—performances that have now secured his place for Melbourne. “(It was) fortunate that Usman was able to come in and play the way he did,” Smith acknowledged.
The Final Squad
Australia will choose their final weaponry from:
Batters: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja.
Wicketkeeper: Alex Carey.
All-rounder: Cameron Green.
Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson.
The message is clear: on a cold, overcast Melbourne stage, Australia is putting its faith in fire and fury, backing its seamers to unleash a storm on Boxing Day.
