.svg)
Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Cummins 10 wickets despite injury return
- 2🏆 Australia urn retained in 11 days
- 3💡 Richardson, Murphy bolster rested attack
- 4🔮 Targets clean sweep with fresh pace-spin
- 5💬 McDonald: 'Position him without further risk'
"Cricket Australia add Jhye Richardson and Todd Murphy to squad for Boxing Day fixture"
Pat Cummins ruled out of final two Ashes Tests after Australia's 3-0 series lead, resting his back stress injury post Adelaide return. Jhye Richardson and Todd Murphy join for Boxing Day. Coach Andrew McDonald prioritized long-term health, with urn retained in 11 days.
Cummins, 32, captained 2023 WTC win; missed first two Tests rehabbing. Series haul: 10 wickets at 20 avg despite rust. Australia's dominance extends home streak; parallels 2019 resting stars post-clinch.
Risk Management Secures Aussie Dominance
Decision pre-discussed; no setbacks noted. Stats: Cummins Test avg 22.5, but back issues limited 2025 to 5 games. Compare Starc's 2023 rest yielding IPL success. Adds depth with Richardson's 100+ domestic wickets.
Series Clinch Frees Bold Rotations
3-0 allows experimentation; impacts WTC points. Smith eyes captaincy? Boosts bench for future tours.
Fresh Legs for Aussie Sweep
Boxing Day features rested attack; watch Murphy's spin. Defines legacy.
"Won the series, no need to risk Cummins long-term." - Andrew McDonald
Related Stories
