Boxing Day Uncertainty: Cummins and Lyon Doubtful, Smith Poised for Comeback in Ashes 2025-26

Australia might be without key players Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for the upcoming fourth Ashes Test.

Cummins, who returned to Test cricket in Adelaide following a long recovery from lower back issues, remained fit through the match. However, he has indicated he might skip the Melbourne Test as a precaution.

“We’ll evaluate the situation. With the series already secured, there may be a temptation to ease off a bit and reassess the risks,” Cummins mentioned.

“We’ll discuss it over the next couple of days. I doubt I’ll be playing in Melbourne, and then we’ll decide about Sydney. When the series was still on the line, it was worth taking the risk.”

Nathan Lyon’s participation also remains uncertain after he suffered a hamstring injury during fielding on Sunday.

Post-injury, Lyon underwent scans and was seen using crutches at the ground.

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“It doesn’t look promising. Seeing someone on crutches isn’t a good sign with a Test just a week away,” said Cummins.

“Replacing him will be challenging, but we have some players who have experienced international cricket.”

Potential replacements include Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann.

Steve Smith, who captained the first two Tests in Cummins’ absence, missed the Adelaide match due to vertigo symptoms. He has returned to practice and is expected to be fit for Melbourne, which could see Josh Inglis stepping aside with Usman Khawaja taking the number five position if Travis Head continues as an opener.

Ashes victory ‘incredibly fulfilling’

Australia’s captain expressed immense satisfaction on Sunday after retaining the Ashes in three Tests and promised no let-up in Melbourne.

The Australian team has been dominant throughout the series, securing the Ashes urn with two Tests remaining following an 82-run victory in Adelaide, preceded by decisive wins in Perth and Brisbane.

“There was a lot of anticipation leading into the series, and the outcome was uncertain,” Cummins said.

“Achieving victory in three matches is incredibly fulfilling for multiple reasons. Prior to the series, there was much discussion about how closely contested it would be, and to win straight away is exceptional.”

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With just five days until the fourth Test begins in Melbourne on December 26, Cummins stressed that Australia will maintain their aggressive approach for the remaining matches, including the final Test in Sydney on January 4.

“The primary goal was to retain the Ashes. However, we’re approaching each Test match with the intent to win, so we’ll head to Melbourne with a strong determination to achieve victory there and in Sydney,” he stated.

“A 5-0 series result would be fantastic, although it’s not something we’ve explicitly aimed for. Our focus has been on securing three wins.”

Published on Dec 21, 2025