Australia’s Bold Selection for the Final Ashes Test
In a surprising decision, Australia has opted to leave out their main spinner, Todd Murphy, for the final Ashes Test, choosing Beau Webster instead for his debut match of the summer in Sydney.
This marks the first time since 1888 that Australia has not included a frontline slow bowler for a Test match at the SCG, a venue historically known for supporting spin bowling.
After winning the toss, England decided to bat first on a green-tinged pitch on Sunday morning, which prompted Steve Smith to confirm this unprecedented move, bypassing nearly 140 years of cricket tradition.
Australia XI: Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue
Webster, an allrounder, takes the final spot in the XI, replacing Jhye Richardson as the only change from the team that lost by four wickets in Melbourne. This adjustment grants the Australian side five pace options, with Webster capable of useful off-spin as well.
Smith expressed regret over Murphy’s omission, stating that the conditions left selectors with little choice. “I hate doing it,” he mentioned during the toss. “But if the wickets aren’t conducive to spin, seam becomes crucial, and you find yourself boxed in.”
While Webster has previously been impacted by Cameron Green’s return to bowling this summer, Richardson had served as a free swing in Melbourne. Coach Andrew McDonald remarked that Richardson’s inclusion was contingent upon him being a fourth member of the pace attack due to past shoulder injuries.
The omission of a spinner has become a key discussion point. Smith elaborated that the current pitches have made spin bowling the more manageable option. “On pitches offering considerable seam, you have to ask why you would bowl spin when it may cost you runs quickly,” he stated, referencing Australia’s decision to play four quicks in previous matches.
