Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins is contemplating lineup changes for the upcoming fourth Ashes Test in Manchester, starting on July 19. The team is considering the possibility of deploying an all-out pace attack at Old Trafford.
Cummins confirmed that fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will return to the playing XI, replacing Scott Boland, who has struggled in the series so far. However, the team is also discussing the option of not including Todd Murphy.
Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Hazlewood are the mainstays of Australia’s pace attack. They may be joined by Michael Neser, who has been in excellent form with the bat for Glamorgan in the County Championship.
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Neser scored an impressive unbeaten 176 after being released from the Ashes squad and has rejoined the team for consideration in the Manchester Test.
Cummins hinted at the possibility of including two all-rounders in the lineup and emphasized the importance of spin in the upcoming match.
Another alternative for Australia is Cameron Green, who was replaced by Mitchell Marsh in the previous Test. Marsh performed exceptionally well at Headingley and is likely to retain his spot in the team. This situation may mean that Green remains on the sidelines unless he replaces Murphy.
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Opinions regarding Todd Murphy vary within the team and among experts. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting voiced his support for Murphy on the ICC Review, suggesting that he should keep his place in the side and be given an opportunity earlier in the game.
However, Cummins acknowledged Murphy’s potential but highlighted that he is not a direct replacement for Nathan Lyon, considered Australia’s greatest off-spinner.Cummins clarified that Murphy’s limited usage in the previous Test was due to favorable conditions for pace bowling, rather than a reflection of his abilities.
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