so Australia captain Steve Smith has confirmed that team selection for the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) remains undecided, leaving spinner Todd Murphy’s inclusion uncertain.
Murphy, who was called into the squad after Nathan Lyon was ruled out of the series with injury, is still waiting for the chance to play his first Test match on home soil. Australia opted for an all-pace attack in the fourth Test in Melbourne, where England claimed a consolation victory inside two dramatic days.
Despite the loss, Australia had already sealed the Ashes series by winning the first three Tests and currently hold a 3–1 lead.
Steve Smith: “All Options Are on the Table”
Traditionally, Australia announce their Test XI on the eve of the match, but Smith indicated that selectors are taking extra time following the unpredictable conditions seen in Melbourne.
“We haven’t picked a team yet. There are 13 or 14 players under consideration,” Smith said at the SCG on Saturday.
“We want to see the wicket and assess how we match up against it.”
Smith, standing in as captain for the injured Pat Cummins, noted that the pitch had seen limited sunlight and appeared green during recent inspections.
“We could play a couple of all-rounders. We could play a spinner. AlWe could play no spinner at all,” he added. “We’ll work it out.”
SCG Conditions Could Suit Todd Murphy
The Sydney Cricket Ground has traditionally been considered the most spin-friendly venue among Australia’s Ashes grounds, offering turn later in the match. That reputation could boost Murphy’s chances of playing what would be his eighth Test.
However, Smith admitted that the SCG has not behaved as it once did, even dating back to his own first-class debut nearly two decades ago.
“I’d love the old-school SCG — flat early, footmarks developing, cracks opening, reverse swing, and spin late in the game,” Smith said.
“But unfortunately, it hasn’t really been that way for most of my career.”
Khawaja Confirms Sydney Test Will Be His Last
The match will also mark the final Test appearance of Usman Khawaja, who announced his retirement from the format on Friday. Smith praised Khawaja’s contribution and described his career as “wonderful.”
At 36, Smith will now become the oldest player in the Australian squad but dismissed suggestions of his own immediate retirement.
“I’m taking it day by day, series by series,” Smith said. “I’m enjoying my cricket and still contributing, so there’s no end date just yet.”
Khawaja hinted that several senior players—including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and fast bowler Mitchell Starc—may not be far behind him in stepping away from international cricket, potentially signaling a very different Australian team by 2027.
Weather and Spin Could Shape Final Test
While long-term team changes loom, Sydney fans may be more concerned with the weather. Storms are forecast for Sunday, with rain also expected on Monday, raising the possibility that the final Test could stretch into a fifth day.
Given the expected conditions and the SCG’s tendency to assist spinners later in the match, the scenario could finally open the door for Todd Murphy to feature in the series finale.
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