Lyon sustained a significant hamstring injury during the Ashes-clinching victory in Adelaide and subsequently underwent surgery. Offspinner Todd Murphy was included in the squad, but due to the MCG pitch showing considerable grass, Australia chose to omit Murphy when announcing the squad on Thursday.
Captain Steve Smith will confirm the starting XI following the toss at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
England experienced losses in each of the first three tests, allowing Australia to retain the Ashes in just 11 days of play. It is uncommon for an Australian team to forgo a spinner at the MCG, a venue where Shane Warne and Lyon have previously excelled.
“Many of the wickets we’re currently encountering are definitely more favorable for seam bowlers than for spinners,” Smith commented on Thursday. “Last week (in Adelaide) was the exception; we witnessed some rough patches, allowing Nathan to make a significant impact.
“It’s a challenging decision. You must adapt to the surface you encounter, and this pitch appears to provide substantial assistance to seam bowlers.”
Alongside Lyon and captain Pat Cummins, Josh Inglis is sidelined, while fast bowlers Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett, and Michael Neser are included in the squad.
Usman Khawaja, a seasoned left-handed batsman, was selected over Inglis after scoring 82 and 40 in the third test in Adelaide. Richardson is in line to make his first test appearance in over four years following a series of injuries.
Doggett and Neser participated in the second test in Brisbane but were omitted in Adelaide when Cummins and Lyon returned to the team.
England announced its team on Wednesday, revealing the significant news regarding star bowler Jofra Archer, who will be sidelined for the remainder of the series, including the fifth and final test commencing Jan. 4 in Sydney.
Australia squad: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.
England team: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.
