Australia have named a four-pronged spin attack for their four-Test tour of India, including 22-year-old spin sensation Todd Murphy, who is set to make his debut.
An 18-man squad for the tour, which begins on February 9, was revealed on Thursday with Murphy included along with fellow spinners Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar and Mitch Swepson.
Like Agar, batsman Matt Renshaw retains his place in the squad after being called up for the New Year Test. Peter Handscomb, a veteran of subcontinental conditions, has been recalled and is in line to make his first Test appearance since 2019, but News Corp reports he could be a doubt due to an injury sustained playing cricket in the park on Tuesday.
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“Todd Murphy has progressed rapidly after impressing in domestic cricket and recently with Australia A. With these performances Todd has established himself as a strong rotation option,” Australian chief selector George Bailey said.
“Selection in this squad also provides another opportunity to spend time alongside Nathan Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori in India, which will be invaluable to his development.
“… Peter Handscomb deserves his place in the team,” Bailey said. “His domestic form has been strong recently and Pete has shown he can perform at Test level.
“His experience against spin in the subcontinent is valuable and he is also exceptionally good close to the wicketkeeper.”
Australia need just one win in India to clinch a place in the World Test Championship final. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Victorian Murphy is seen as Australia’s second-best spinner, according to News Corp, and could feature in the Lyon side if the selectors decide to name two in the best XI.
But former Australian prop Michael Kasprowicz fears debuting Murphy could be dangerous for the 22-year-old.
Instead, he believes Swepson, who he saw while commentating on Australia’s tour of Pakistan last year, “will do very well if the conditions and the opportunity present themselves”.
Swepson and Murphy will likely bid for Agar’s place in the side after his wicketless performance at the SCG against South Africa, although Bailey has suggested he is a good opening option.
“Ashton Agar continues to impress after his return to Sydney and we believe the left-arm spinner will play a big role in the Indian conditions,” Bailey said.
Handscomb, if fit, and Renshaw will provide batting options with Cameron Green racing the clock to return from his broken finger, while Mitchell Starc will miss at least the first Test in Nagpur from February 9.
Uncapped quick Lance Morris retains his place in the squad and could be a chance to make his international debut.
Opener Marcus Harris, who was in the squad during the summer but did not play, and spinner Adam Zampa were among the unfortunate omissions.
Todd Murphy has joined the test calculations. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The question of whether we should blood Murphy, play Agar or ignore a second spinner altogether remains the biggest question hanging over the Australian team.
“You don’t do it (Murphy’s debut) in India,” Kasprowicz told Nine newspapers. “They are the best spin players in the world. There is a temptation when you approach a spinning wicket…you end up finding the bowlers trying too hard for their wickets.
“This whole quest for spin (in India) … there is a bit of a myth about it. The best spinner ever was Warnie. His record in India was not fabulous. He is bowling against the best spin players in the world at their conditions. That was the flip side. As far as bowlers go, you don’t have to overthink it. You almost have to simplify it.
“I spoke to (former Indian coach) Ravi Shastri during the IPL years ago. I asked what is India’s secret in the subcontinent. He said it’s all about precision. He said it’s not about the flight or of the dip…it’s all about getting it in the right zone and pitch naturally gives you variation.I’m excited about this series because someone like Nathan Lyon has been there and done it all before.
“I think Travis Head’s spin is pretty great. If he comes in for five or 10 overs in a day, if the wicket is spinning, he’ll do a good job.”
Australia need just a win in India to secure a place in this June’s World Test Championship finals in England.
AUSTRALIA SQUAD FOR BORDER-GAVASKAR SERIES IN INDIA
Pat Cummins (capt), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc , Mitch Swepson, David Warner
AUSTRALIAN TOUR OF INDIA DATES (all from 3pm AEDT)
First test: Nagpur, February 9-13
Second test: Delhi, from 17 to 21 February
Third test: Dharamsala, March 1-5
Fourth test: Ahmedabad, March 9-13