Last Updated on 3 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Australia have come in for criticism regarding their team selection for the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The hosts made the call not to play spinner Todd Murphy for the second-straight match, but this decision raised eyebrows as the SCG surface had 5mm of grass, half that of the maligned MCG pitch.
Instead, Australia played two all-rounders in Cameron Green and Beau Webster, with the latter coming in for Jhye Richardson. As a result, Steve Smith’s team went into the Test with just three frontline bowlers – a defensive move rarely seen made by an Australian team.
Despite early wickets, it was clear Australia misread the conditions. The SCG pitch did not have as much in it as Australia thought. Perhaps the hosts were spooked by what happened at the MCG with Cameron Green as the fourth bowler not working on day one.
Green, who is having a difficult series, struggled for control, conceding 57 in eight wicketless overs as Joe Root (72*) and Harry Brook (78*) looked very comfortable on an SCG pitch that was good for batting.
The two combined for an unbroken 154 run-partnership to leave England in a good position at 211/3. Only 45 overs were possible as rain and bad light intervened, but the fact the game didn’t restart even when the rain stopped was cause for significant frustration.
Fans unhappy with Australia team selection and bowling performance on day 1 at the SCG
Green copped the brunt of the criticism on another disappointing day, as the call to not play a spinner also garnered plenty of attention. Australia also bowled poorly as a unit, offering plenty of width and easy runs to Root and Brook.
“For Todd Murphy to miss selection for the fifth Test in Sydney, something has gone seriously, seriously wrong — whether pitch-related, selection-based or otherwise,” wrote Fox Sports journalist Will Faulkner on X (formerly Twitter).
“Gotta say, makes me sad when @CricketAus don’t pick a spinner in a Test match. Could have been a great chance to give the next generation a golden opportunity…” wrote Ryan Campbell, former Western Australia cricketer and Netherlands coach.
Play will begin earlier at 10:00am on day two. Australia will turn to their three frontline quicks in Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser and Scott Boland for early wickets as England will look to build on their promising position.
While the Ashes were decided in Adelaide, there are still World Test Championship points on offer.
