Ashes 2025-26: Todd Murphy looking forward to English aggression ahead of SCG Test

Todd Murphy is prepared to face an English line-up which will not back down from attacking him if at all he features for Australia in the final Test of the 2025–26 Ashes. Murphy was picked in Australia's 15-member squad for the fifth and final Test of the series, which will begin on Sunday, January 4 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

The 25-year-old commented on how, in the absence of experienced spinner Nathan Lyon (ruled out with hamstring pull), he will be presented with more opportunities for providing breakthroughs if England employ their Bazball approach while taking the off-spinner down in a dead-rubber of a contest.

"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," stated Murphy, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Furthermore, the young bowler underscored on the importance of playing a defined role for the team. Murphy highlighted how he may be called upon to hold one end up with limited flow of runs so that the pacers at the other end are able to benefit and provide breakthroughs to the team.

"I still think there's a role to play for spin. 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," he added.

Murphy expects greater workload for spinners in SCG Test

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Murphy expects greater workload for spinners in SCG Test

For the unversed, senior spinner Lyon sustained an unfortunate tear in his right hamstring while fielding on the final day of the third Test of the series. Australia did not select a specialist spinner for the Boxing Day Test. However, Murphy seems more than likely to play in Sydney, since the surface here has historically assisted a lot to the spinners.

He has played only Test cricket for Australia so far. In the seven Tests he has featured in, Murphy has managed to secure 22 wickets. With the SCG pitch having had a storied history of favouring slower bowlers as the match progresses, it seems highly probable that Murphy represents Australia after almost 11 months.