Aussie cricket fans are feeling for Sheffield Shield star Corey Rocchiccioli after selectors opted to look at experience rather than domestic form to replace the injured Nathan Lyon. Lyon was seen on crutches at the end of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide having injured his hamstring when fielding a ball on the boundary.
Unfortunately, Lyon tore his hamstring and underwent surgery on Tuesday. And the selectors confirmed Todd Murphy will replace Lyon in the squad for Melbourne having edged out Matt Kuhnemann and the uncapped Rocchiccioli.
Fans are feeling for Sheffield Shield star Corey Rocchiccioli (pictured right) after selectors opted to look at Todd Murphy to replace Nathan Lyon (pictured left). (Image: Getty Images)
Murphy has played seven Test matches for Australia, but all of them have come overseas having taken 22 wickets at 28. Although there are fans suggesting Rocchiccioli was unfortunate to miss out due to his stellar domestic form.
Rocchiccioli has taken 85 wickets at an average of 30.96, since 1 October 2024 across all first-class cricket, according to ESPN CricInfo reporter Andrew McGlashan. Rocchiccioli has the best return of any of the current spin bowlers at domestic level and many thought it put him in line for selection.
Kuhnemann has taken 51 wickets at an average of 25.78 with an impressive return. Murphy is statistically behind the two at 51 wickets for 40.80.
Murphy last played for Australia in the away series against Sri Lanka earlier this year and has played alongside a number of the current players in the squad. He also recently played for Australia A against the Lions having taken 2-7 and 1-57. One of the determining factors the selectors may have looked at was the MCG is Murphy’s home ground. The Victorian is very familiar with the ground and it could have worked in his favour.
Regardless, there was some surprise the selectors didn’t reward Shield form. While Murphy is in the squad, it doesn’t guarantee he will be selected with the selectors also having the option to go with a second allrounder in Michael Neser or Beau Webster. Coach Andrew McDonald admitted they haven’t made a decision yet and will make a decision closer to the first ball.
Jhye Richardson in line for Ashes return
Meanwhile, Jhye Richardson is also firming for a recall after a four year absence from Test cricket. Neser and Brendan Doggett are both in the squad and could easily slot back in for Cummins. The Australian captain has now been ruled out for the remainder of the series having just returned from a back injury for the Adelaide Test and pushing himself to the limit. And it has opened the door for Richardson who could feature at least once in the bowling attack.