Australia suffer major blow as Cummins, Lyon ruled out of final two Ashes Tests

Australia captain Pat Cummins and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon have been ruled out of the final two Tests of the Ashes series against England. Cricket Australia confirmed the news on Tuesday. Lyon will require surgery due to injury, which will keep him sidelined for an extended period.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson and spinner Todd Murphy have been named as cover in the 15-member squad for the fourth Test, which begins on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia have already retained the Ashes after convincing eight-wicket victories in Perth and Brisbane, followed by an 82-run win in Adelaide.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Cummins will not play any further part in the series. Despite returning from injury and taking six wickets to lead Australia to victory in the Adelaide Test, the skipper is being rested to ensure full fitness ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in February.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old Nathan Lyon suffered a right hamstring injury while fielding on the fifth day of the Adelaide Test. Despite the setback, Lyon claimed his 564th Test wicket in the match, moving past Australian great Glenn McGrath into sixth place on the all-time Test bowling list. However, he was forced to leave the field due to the injury and will now undergo surgery.
In Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith will once again lead Australia in the Melbourne Test. Smith missed the Adelaide Test due to vertigo symptoms, and his return is expected to result in at least three changes to the playing XI. Todd Murphy is likely to replace Lyon and could earn his first opportunity to play a home Test.
Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc are almost certain to spearhead the pace attack, while Jhye Richardson—back in the Test squad after four years—remains in contention for a spot in the XI. Praising Starc’s workload and form, McDonald said, “Starc is amazing. He’s pulled up fine. Despite bowling close to 100 overs, he remains in great shape.”
Starc has taken 22 wickets in the series so far and continues to play a crucial role for Australia.
Australia squad:
Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.