Why did Australia leave out spinner Todd Murphy for the SCG Test?

Australia's interim captain Steve Smith stated the decision was based on pitch conditions expected to favor seam bowlers.

Is the SCG pitch still good for spinners in Ashes Tests?

Recent data suggests the SCG has become less conducive to spin bowling, with seamers performing better since 2018.

Has Australia often picked a specialist spinner at the SCG historically?

Historically, the SCG was known as a spinner's paradise, with Australia often picking two slow bowlers.

Home / Sports / Australia Snubs Spinner Again: SCG Test Strategy Questioned

Australia Snubs Spinner Again: SCG Test Strategy Questioned

4 Jan

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Summary

Australia omitted specialist spinner Todd Murphy for the SCG Test.
This is the fourth time in six Tests Australia has not picked a spinner.
Past SCG pitch conditions are described as vastly different from today.

Australia Snubs Spinner Again: SCG Test Strategy Questioned

Australia has controversially excluded specialist spinner Todd Murphy from their playing XI for the upcoming Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). This decision marks the fourth occasion in their last six Test matches where the Australian team has chosen not to include a dedicated spin bowler. Interim captain Steve Smith explained that the decision was driven by pitch conditions that are expected to favor seam bowlers, despite it being a difficult choice.

The SCG pitch's characteristics have shifted significantly over the years. Historically a spinner's haven, recent data since 2018 indicates it has become less favorable for tweakers, with spinners averaging 49.18 since 2021 compared to seamers' 27.72. This contrasts sharply with past SCG wickets that were described as flat initially, developing footmarks and cracks later, conducive to spin and reverse swing.