Australia’s experienced spinner Nathan Lyon is almost certain to be ruled out of the remaining matches of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 due to a hamstring injury and now their captain Pat Cummins is also uncertain for the remaining two Test matches against England.
As Australia retain the Ashes title and take a 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, Pat Cummins is all set to focus his attention on his fitness. The experienced fast bowler is unlikely to play in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne and is also doubtful for the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney.
Pat Cummins uncertain for remaining Ashes 2025-26 matches
Pat Cummins returned to action in the third Test after being sidelined for several months with a back strain injury. The Adelaide Test was the Australian captain’s first match at any level since July, but he nevertheless made a strong impact, taking six wickets and helping Australia defeat England by 82 runs and retain the Urn.
Also read: Mitchell Starc attacks Jay Shah-led board: “Why doesn’t ICC pay for this?”
Despite that impressive comeback, Pat Cummins is being cautious about his workload. Cummins said in the post-match press conference, “I doubt I will play in Melbourne. And then we will have a conversation about Sydney. Obviously, before the series, it was when the series was live. Let’s take a risk and get over it. Now that it has happened, I think we need to have a conversation about it.”
Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser in race to replace Pat Cummins
This means Australia may have to make changes to their pace attack for the Boxing Day Test. If Pat Cummins rests himself for the third Ashes Test, both Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser are set to play against England. However, Neser’s five-wicket haul in Brisbane has kept him ahead in the race.
At the same time, Jhay Richardson is very close to returning to the Test setup. He has recovered well from shoulder surgery and is training with the Test team. Although Richardson was not officially a part of the team, the selectors are keeping a close eye on him.
Jhye Richardson close to Test comeback for Boxing Day Test at MCG
Former Punjab Kings fast bowler Jhye Richardson is “very close to being in consideration” for the Boxing Day Test against England at the MCG, reports ESPNcricinfo. If the 29-year-old is included, it will be a special moment. Richardson was last seen in white in the Boxing Day Test against India.
Also read: Shubman Gill included in India’s T20 World Cup squad for the first time; Thrown out on last minute order….
Soon after that match, the fast bowler decided to undergo surgery to fix ongoing shoulder problems and missed almost 12 months of cricket. Since then, Richardson has slowly made his way back. He started playing grade cricket, then played for the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions.
After this he played for Australia A and now he is ready for high level cricket again. Recently, Richardson also returned to action in the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26). After missing Perth Scorchers’ first match due to being with the Test squad, the star pacer made an immediate impact in the next BBL 2025-26 game against Brisbane Heat.
Notably, Richardson has played only three Tests and taken 11 wickets since making his Test debut in 2018–19, all due to injuries. Now he is pushing for a comeback in Tests.
