Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Why did Todd Murphy bowl just two overs at Headingley? | Pat Cummins reveals why he barely used Todd Murphy

Pat Cummins’ use of off-spinner Todd Murphy on the final day of the Headingley Test came under the spotlight as England kept the Ashes series alive with a three-wicket victory.

Murphy, who came in for the injured Nathan Lyon, bowled just two overs in the fourth innings. One was the final over before lunch, while the other was almost as a last resort with the home side needing just 30 runs to win with four wickets in hand.

On day two, England off-spinner Moeen Ali picked up the two big wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith to turn the match in his team’s favour. While Australia’s prolific duo have themselves to blame for the dismissals, Moeen found occasional turn and bounce, which meant that Murphy could be in the game in the final innings.

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor was quite ardent in his view on commentary that Cummins should have brought Murphy on earlier to get him in the game. At that point, England needed around 130 for victory, but the Australia captain stuck firm with the pace bowlers in the quest for victory.

Fans were unimpressed with Cummins’ treatment of the off-spinner who nearly had Stokes twice in the first innings after a magnificent performance in India earlier this year.

Pat Cummins reveals why Todd Murphy bowled just two overs in the 4th innings at Headingley

In an interview with Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) after the Test, Cummins revealed why he didn’t utilise Todd Murphy in the fourth innings.

When asked whether conditions were the key factor or whether Australia didn’t have enough runs to play with, Cummins said “mainly conditions. We knew that if they were going to chase down, it was going to be in 50 overs.

“The ball was still swinging and there was a little bit there for quick bowlers. I would have loved to bowl Toddy a bit more, but it’s probably not enough overs to get it to him.”

Murphy’s participation as a fielder, Scott Boland’s lack of penetration, Mitchell Marsh’s excellent performance, and David Warner’s continued struggles against Stuart Broad leaves Australia with decisions to make for Old Trafford next week.

“You keep all options open,” Cummins said in the post-match press conference. “We’ve got nine or 10 days now, so we’ll take a deep breath. We’ll go away for a few days.

“But everyone comes back into it. Greeny should be fit for Manchester. Josh [Hazlewood] will be back in there as well. So we should have a full roster and we’ll have a look at the wicket and have a chat and work out the best XI.”