Todd Murphy the frontrunner to lead Australia’s spin at the SCG
Todd Murphy has emerged as the leading candidate to spearhead Australia’s spin attack for the fifth Test of the Ashes 2025–26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting Sunday, January 4. With Nathan Lyon ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury at the Adelaide Oval, Murphy has a clear chance to make a statement in the series finale.
Crawley insists England won’t change their approach
England opener Zak Crawley made it plain that the visitors will stick to their attacking “Bazball” philosophy regardless of the series scoreline. Facing a 3–1 deficit, England arrive at the SCG focused on playing the same fearless cricket they have in recent matches, even if the contest is now primarily about pride.
One philosophy, one plan
Crawley told reporters ahead of the New Year’s Test that England will not alter their game plan simply because the series is lost. Whether Australia fields Murphy or another spinner, England expect to stay true to their style: positive, bold batting and aggressive intent with the ball.
How Murphy earned this opportunity
Murphy’s rise has been accelerated by Lyon’s unfortunate hamstring tear at Adelaide, which forced Lyon off the field early on Day 2 and has ruled him out for an extended period. That vacancy in the spin department gives Murphy the freedom to bowl with confidence and try to influence what could still be an entertaining finale to the series.
Match-up to watch: Murphy vs England’s top order
The key battle at the SCG will likely be between Murphy’s off-spin and England’s aggressive top order — Crawley, Ben Duckett and Joe Root among them. Murphy will want to use the SCG conditions to trouble batters with drift, bounce and clever variations, while England will aim to counter with proactive footwork and intent.
What each side wants
- Australia: Seal a series win by finishing strong, and give young players like Murphy a chance to cement their place.
- England: Play boldly to restore pride, build momentum and end the tour on a high regardless of the overall result.
England squad for the 5th Ashes Test
The touring side selected for the Sydney Test blends experience with attacking options. The squad named for the fifth Test is:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Jacob Bethell
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Brydon Carse
- Will Jacks
- Matthew Potts
- Josh Tongue
- Shoaib Bashir
What to expect from the SCG Test
With the series already decided in Australia’s favour, the fifth Test becomes an opportunity rather than a decider. Fans can expect enterprising batting from England and a probing, perhaps uninhibited, spin display from Murphy as he looks to capitalise on his chance. For Australia, it is about wrapping up the tour in style and giving some depth to their squad options going forward.
Whatever the result, the SCG promises a lively finish to the Ashes — a final chapter where young talent, bold tactics and a little bit of Test-match fire will be on full display.