Steve Smith returns to action in the Boxing Day test against England as Australia opted to include four fast bowlers in their 12-man squad, with spinner Todd Murphy, who was brought into the fold to replace Nathan Lyon, not finding a spot.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who has not played in the longest format since 2021, has been brought back after fine domestic form on his return from shoulder surgery.
Brendan Doggett who played in the first two tests, and Michael Neser, who was part of the pink-ball encounter, have also been included with Australia going for an all-pace attack.
“You just got to play what surface you’re presented with,” Smith, who missed the Adelaide test due to a bout of vertigo, told reporters on Thursday.
“The pitch has 10mm of grass, quite furry, quite green.
“I dare say it’s going to offer similar conditions to today, quite cold and overcast. So, there’s going to be quite a bit of movement.
“This one looks like it’s going to offer a fair bit of assistance for the seam bowlers and the weather throughout the week looks conducive for that too.”
Australia have already retained the urn with a 3-0 lead in the five-test series.
Australia XII for fourth Test: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson
