Murphy eyes bigger role for spinners at SCG

Spin has played a limited role in the ongoing Ashes, but offspinner Todd Murphy is hopeful that will change in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a venue with a history of supporting spinners.

With Nathan Lyon injured, Murphy sees an opportunity to lead Australia's spin attack in Sydney.

"I don't think going into the series there was ever that planning or idea that spin wouldn't play a role," Murphy said. "I think it's sort of just been how it's eventuated."

Murphy has taken 22 wickets in 7 Tests, all away from home. His last appearance for Australia was in February 2025 at Galle. At home, he has been behind Lyon in the pecking order since his debut in February 2023.

"I probably understood back then it was never going to be linear for me," he said of his debut. "I was never going to keep my place in the team when Nathan came back… At that stage I was only 23 so I still felt like I had a long way to go to be at my best."

Murphy expects the SCG pitch to offer some assistance, based on his experience playing for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.

"I think it definitely can spin," he said. "We've played on some BBL wickets here where it has taken spin."

He also discussed the evolving role of spin in domestic cricket.

"Shield cricket over the last couple of years… has evolved a little bit to be more seam friendly," Murphy noted. "I think that comes from just the importance of results in four-day cricket and spin probably just doesn't break up enough in four days.

"So they've probably gone down the path of trying to make it speed up at the start of the game, but I still think you look across all games and spin still plays a massive part. So there's always a role there for you to play."

Murphy emphasized the importance of adapting his role to the team's needs.

"Your job's not always to come on and take wickets. It might be to play a holding role for four or five overs for the quicks so they can have a break and then come back. And that can be just as important."