Todd Murphy Aims for Sydney Test Selection Amid Ashes Series

Australian off-spinner Todd Murphy is keen to play in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney after missing the fourth match. With Australia leading the series 3-1, Murphy reflects on the limited role of spin in the series and expresses optimism about the pitch conditions in Sydney. He aims to make an impact after being called up to the squad following Nathan Lyon's injury. As the series unfolds, the dynamics of spin bowling could shift, making the upcoming match crucial for both teams.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 1, 2026, 12:37 IST

Todd Murphy Aims for Sydney Test Selection

Australian off-spinner Todd Murphy is eager to secure a spot in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England in Sydney, following his absence from the fourth Test in Melbourne. The match is scheduled to commence on January 4, as reported by a sports news outlet.

Murphy was initially not included in the Australian squad for the five-match Ashes series. However, he was called up after veteran spinner Nathan Lyon sustained a hamstring injury during the Adelaide Test, ruling him out for the remainder of the series.

Limited Spin Impact in the Series

The current Ashes series has recorded the fewest wickets taken by spin bowlers in any Test series held in Australia with at least three matches. The Australian team has opted for an all-pace attack in two of the matches (Brisbane and Melbourne) against England.

Conversely, the England team, led by Ben Stokes, has yet to field their specialist spinner, Shoaib Bashir, relying instead on Will Jacks for spin options. Additionally, Australia did not fully utilize Lyon's capabilities during the Perth and Adelaide Tests, while Murphy remained on the sidelines during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Murphy Optimistic About Spin-Friendly Conditions

Murphy, who made his Test debut against India in February 2023, believes that the Sydney pitch for the upcoming Ashes Test may provide some assistance to spin bowlers. He stated, "I don't think there was ever a plan that spin wouldn't play a role going into the series. It's just how things have unfolded. It could change from year to year; next year might be completely different."

Interestingly, Murphy has yet to play a Test match on Australian soil. To date, he has participated in seven Test matches (all overseas), claiming 22 wickets with a bowling average of 28.13, which includes one four-wicket haul and a couple of five-wicket hauls.

"I believe it can definitely spin," Murphy remarked. "We've played on some BBL wickets here that have turned. I've only played a few Shield games, and they haven't produced extraordinary spin. While it hasn't been massive spin recently, spin has still played a significant role in the game."

Australia Secures Ashes Series 3-1

In the meantime, Australia has retained the Ashes title, having established an unbeaten 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The hosts triumphed in the Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide matches, while England managed to secure a notable victory in Melbourne, preventing a complete whitewash.