The Aussies will reportedly go with an unchanged squad for the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG, with selectors resisting calls to bring in some new players like Matt Renshaw and Nathan McSweeney. With the Ashes urn already secured but a 5-0 series whitewash off the table, many thought the series finale in Sydney shaped as the perfect chance to bring in some players of the future.
With Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne struggling, there had been calls for the likes of Renshaw, McSweeney and Sam Konstas to be given a game. Renshaw is averaging over 70 in Sheffield Shield cricket this season, and at age 29 he looks primed to return to the Test team.
Matt Renshaw was run out for just 6 in the BBL (L), and has also missed out on selection for the fifth Ashes Test. Image: Fox Cricket/Getty
In 14 career Tests he’s averaged just 29.31, but he showed he has what it takes when he made a magnificent 184 at the SCG in 2017. The Queenslander has made a number of changes and got his first-class average up over 38, while scoring 8114 runs in 131 matches.
Many thought Matt Renshaw was a good chance to play the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG. (Photo by Chris Hyde – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
But a return to the Test team will have to wait, with leading reporter Daniel Cherny revealing the Aussies have stuck solid with an unchanged squad for the series finale. In a double blow for Renshaw, he was run out for just 6 on Wednesday night as the Brisbane Heat were thrashed by the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL.
Todd Murphy likely to play in 15-year Test first for Australia
Selectors appear likely to pick spinner Todd Murphy for the SCG Test, and he’ll probably replace Jhye Richardson. Murphy has played seven career Tests to date, but none have come in Australia.
If he plays at the SCG, it will mark the first time in 15 years that a sole spinner not named Nathan Lyon will play a Test on home soil. Steve O’Keefe played two Tests at the SCG in 2016 and 2017, but they came in tandem with Lyon.
The last time the Aussies played one spinner and it wasn’t Lyon was back at the SCG in 2011 when Michael Beer debuted. Lyon tore his hamstring in the third Test in Adelaide and will be sidelined for at least three months.
“We didn’t pick a spinner (in Melbourne) because of the surface that presented, and I suppose it was all validated with the way the Test match played out,” coach Andrew McDonald said this week. “I’d love to pick Todd. I’d love to see what he’s got to offer. Seven Test matches into his career, he’s well placed on the back of the last two years as well.”