Pace bowler Jhye Richardson is set to play his first Test in over four years as Australia aims for a 5-0 Ashes whitewash against England, opting for a pace-heavy lineup without a frontline spinner at the MCG for the first time in 40 years. Stand-in captain Steve Smith confirmed Todd Murphy’s omission from the squad, despite the grassy pitch conditions favoring bowlers. England’s Jofra Archer will miss the upcoming Tests due to injury, while out-of-form Ollie Pope has been replaced by Jacob Bethell. Australia seeks to extend England’s winless streak in Australia since January 2011.
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