Australia’s Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are out of the final two Ashes Tests, with Lyon requiring surgery on a torn hamstring
AUSTRALIA captain Pat Cummins and spinner Nathan Lyon have been ruled out of the final two Ashes Tests against England.
Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Cummins “won’t play any part in the rest of the series” to manage a lower back injury.
Cummins will now target full fitness for the Twenty20 World Cup starting in February.
Veteran spinner Lyon requires surgery on a torn right hamstring and faces an extended period on the sidelines.
Steve Smith will return to captain the side for the fourth Test in Melbourne starting Friday.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson and spinner Todd Murphy were named as cover in a revised 15-man squad.
Australia have already retained the Ashes urn with victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
McDonald said the decision to rest Cummins was made after winning the series, prioritising his long-term fitness.
Lyon injured his hamstring saving a boundary on the final day of the Adelaide Test.
The 38-year-old moved into sixth on the all-time Test bowling list with his 564th wicket during that match.
Murphy is in line to make his home Test debut after seven previous appearances overseas.
Richardson returns to the squad after a four-year Test absence and three shoulder surgeries.
McDonald praised Mitchell Starc’s durability, calling his form “amazing”.
Starc has taken 22 wickets in the series so far at an average of 17.04.
He has also contributed 150 valuable runs with the bat down the order.
Australia’s squad features at least three changes for the Melbourne Test.
Usman Khawaja is expected to retain his place after scoring 82 and 40 in Adelaide.
Josh Inglis appears the likely batter to make way for Smith’s return from vertigo.
Scott Boland and Starc are set to lead the seam attack in Melbourne.
Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, and Richardson will compete for the final bowling spot.
The fourth Ashes Test begins at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
