Cummins and Lyon out of Boxing Day Test

Australia’s Boxing Day Test squad has been cut with skipper Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon absent.

Cummins is resting as he continues to manage a long-standing back issue while Lyon is scheduled to undergo surgery on a torn right hamstring, which will render him unable to function for an extended period of time.

After only 11 days of play, Cummins missed the series’ first two Tests, but he made a third one in Adelaide, keeping Australia in the Ashes.

Meanwhile, Batter Steve Smith will lead the side after recovering from a illness that prevented him from taking the third Test.

Although they did not feature in Adelaide’s starting XI, Seam bowler Jhye Richardson and spinner Todd Murphy have been called back. Michael Neser, Beau Webster, and Brendan Doggett are still in the squad.