Australia off-spinner Todd Murphy is preparing to take the spotlight in the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), with the 25-year-old potentially replacing Nathan Lyon, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Murphy, who has taken 22 wickets in seven Test matches, is aware he will be a target for the England batting lineup, but welcomes the challenge ahead.

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Murphy Expects England to Attack

Speaking ahead of the Sydney Test, Murphy said:

“I’d say it’s a guarantee that if I play they will be attacking against me. That’s how they’ve been playing; it’s been positive cricket. It will be no different if I’m playing and bowling. You always have a chance when guys are coming after you – it does bring you into the game a little bit more. If that presents out there, no issues.”

The SCG traditionally offers assistance to slow bowlers, with the leading Test wicket-takers at the venue including Shane Warne, Stuart MacGill, and Lyon. However, spin has had a diminished role in this Ashes series so far. Only nine wickets have fallen to spin in four matches, meaning this series is on track to set a record for fewest wickets taken by spinners in an Ashes series of at least four Tests.

Murphy acknowledges his role may vary depending on conditions:

“You’re not going to be thrown the ball and your role is to take wickets; it might be to play a holding role so the fast bowlers can have a break and then come back. You’ve got to find ways to still be effective out there and still be able to play a role for what the team needs.”

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Context: Ashes Series and Weather Conditions

The ongoing Ashes series has heavily favored seam bowling due to green pitches and the use of Kookaburra balls, which provide more assistance to pacers. In Melbourne, England won the fourth Test inside two days, with Australia opting not to play a spinner. Only in Adelaide, during the third Test, did spin contribute significantly, with Lyon and England’s Will Jacks sharing eight wickets.

Weather may also play a part in the final Test, with a mixed forecast potentially affecting pitch conditions. Australia trained at the SCG on New Year’s Day, while England’s session was optional, with most players spending time with family in Sydney.

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Other Australia Updates

Australia will make at least one change to the squad that won in Melbourne after seamer Gus Atkinson was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Matthew Potts is expected to replace him.

Additionally, Australia have announced their provisional squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka:

• Captain: Mitchell Marsh
• Key Players: Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa, Josh Inglis (wk)

This squad includes Test regulars and experienced campaigners, with Cummins managing a back issue and Hazlewood returning from hamstring and Achilles injuries.