Struggling Australia all-rounder Cameron Green is facing increased pressure to hang onto his Test spot after being picked for the fifth and final Ashes Test against England. It comes as the shock snub of Todd Murphy continues to divide the cricket world, with suggestions stand-in skipper Steve Smith played a major role in the spinner’s selection snub.
Australia once again opted to go without a frontline spinner as England recovered from losing three early wickets to be 3-211 at stumps on a rain-affected day one at the SCG. An unbeaten 154-run stand from Joe Root (72no) and Harry Brook (78no) left the tourists in a strong position heading into day two after Aussie quicks Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser and Scott Boland grabbed one wicket apiece on Sunday.
Cameron Green’s Test spot is under fresh scrutiny, amid suggestions Steve Smith played a major role in Australia’s decision to go without spin for the fifth Ashes Test. Pic: Getty
But it was the surprise omission of Murphy that has dominated discussion, with many expecting the spinner to replace the injured Nathan Lyon. The SCG pitch has traditionally offered plenty for the spinners, and Australia coach Andrew McDonald suggested after the Boxing Day Test defeat that Murphy was in the frame to earn a recall.
But his omission marked the first time in 138 years that Australia had overlooked a frontline spinner for an SCG Test. The decision took many by surprise and sparked concerns from former Test bowler Kerry O’Keeffe about the future of spin bowling in Australia, where wickets are more frequently favouring pace.
“I worry big-time about it,” O’Keeffe said on Fox Cricket’s coverage. “There are thousands of ambitious young spinners out there that want to wear a baggy green and affect a Test match for Australia on the fourth and fifth day, and the selection ethos at the moment is, ‘We don’t need a spinner’.”
O’Keeffe and former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie both suggested Smith played a major role in the decision to overlook Murphy. “Andrew McDonald said the other day, basically, that Todd Murphy would play. Make no mistake, this is a Steve Smith decision,” Gillespie said on the ABC.
Todd Murphy’s selection snub for the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG has raised eyebrows. Pic: Getty
Cameron Green facing fresh calls to be dropped for Australia
Smith said the pitches being produced in Australia left them with little choice but to continue favouring pace, as all-rounder Beau Webster was recalled. But many believe Murphy should have also come in at the expense of Green, who went for 57 in his eight overs on Sunday and is averaging just 21.42 with the bat in the eight Tests since his return from a long-term injury.
“I think selection integrity probably demanded that you switch (Beau) Webster and Green for the lack of what Green has done this summer, sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley told SEN radio. “So, while some might frame it as they chose Webster instead of (Todd) Murphy, but I think they chose to retain Green rather than bite the bullet and have Murphy play.
“It would have been the right decision to drop Green… We can’t have him being picked anymore on the ‘we think he is going to become this player’. The only way to maintain his place with any credibility now… is on performance.”
with AAP