Overview
- Australia named four specialist quicks for the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG, selecting Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson.
- Steve Smith returns from illness to lead in Pat Cummins's injury absence, with Josh Inglis left out of the side.
- Selectors opted against a frontline spinner after assessing a seam-friendly surface, with Todd Murphy missing out as Nathan Lyon remains unavailable.
- England ruled Archer out of the remainder of the series with a left side strain, bringing in Gus Atkinson and handing Jacob Bethell a place ahead of Ollie Pope.
- Australia have already secured the series 3–0 and seek to maintain momentum and World Test Championship points in front of an expected full house at the MCG.