Australia and England are finalizing their preparations for the fifth and final Test of the Ashes series, scheduled to commence on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Key considerations for both teams revolve around player selection, particularly regarding specialist spinners, and the evolving condition of the SCG pitch. Discussions have been influenced by recent Test matches concluding early, prompting scrutiny of pitch preparations and their impact on match duration.
Team Selection: Australia
Australia has announced an unchanged squad for the fifth Test, though the final playing XI remains under consideration. Acting captain Steve Smith indicated that various bowling attack options are being discussed, including fielding a specialist spinner, an all-seam attack, or including all-rounders.
Spin Bowling Options:
- Todd Murphy, a spinner who has played seven Tests abroad but none at home, is a candidate for selection. He was not included in the squad for the previous Melbourne Test.
- If selected, Murphy would replace either Michael Neser or Jhye Richardson.
- Murphy commented on the SCG pitch, noting its current green appearance but anticipating it will evolve over five days. He hopes to be the first spinner other than Nathan Lyon in 15 years to serve as Australia's sole spinner in a home Test.
- During a recent training session, Murphy bowled to Australia's top order, with Alex Carey conducting extended wicketkeeping drills for him.
All-rounder Consideration:
- The position of all-rounder Cameron Green is also under review. Green has scored 112 runs at an average of 18.66 across six innings this series, with his batting order varying between numbers three, five, six, and seven.
- Beau Webster participated in slips training, suggesting he is also being considered for selection, potentially alongside Green.
Team Selection: England
England has named a 12-man squad for the Sydney Test, with opener Zak Crawley indicating that England's batters intend to adopt an aggressive approach against Todd Murphy if he is selected.
Spin Bowling Options:
- Shoaib Bashir has been included in England's 12-man squad, making him a potential choice for their primary spinner and a candidate for his first Test appearance of the series.
- Bashir is reportedly competing with Will Jacks for the spinner's position. Jacks has featured in the Brisbane, Adelaide, and Melbourne Tests.
- England spin coach Jeetan Patel had previously identified Bashir as their top spinner two weeks prior.
- Matthew Potts will replace the injured Gus Atkinson in the squad.
Strategy Against Murphy:
- Zak Crawley stated, "Whoever plays, I think that's the mantra of our team, is to try and put pressure on people." He added that England would "try and put some pressure on him [Murphy], like we would all their bowlers," acknowledging the risks involved if the pitch is turning.
- Murphy previously played two Tests in the 2023 Ashes series following Nathan Lyon's calf injury. During the Headingley Test, England batters, including Ben Stokes, scored five sixes off Murphy. He subsequently took six wickets in the series finale at The Oval. All seven of Murphy's Test matches have been played in Asia or England.
SCG Pitch Conditions and Curator's Comments
The SCG pitch displayed a green appearance three days prior to the fifth Test, drawing attention after the recent Melbourne Test concluded in two days.
- Chief Curator Adam Lewis stated on Friday that the greenness is typical for this stage and not a concern for the match's commencement.
- Lewis expressed optimism that forecasted sunlight would reduce the pitch's greenness, aiming for the Test to extend to a fifth day. He noted, "You want to see green tinge three days out. If you're not seeing any live grass three days out, then that's when (it's a worry)… I'm really comfortable with where we're sitting."
- Lewis confirmed that ground staff would prepare the pitch with 6mm of grass this year, a reduction from 7mm last season, and would also decrease its density. These adjustments are intended to flatten the wicket, reduce initial movement, and potentially increase spin later in the match. These preparations have been practiced in Shield matches and received positive evaluations.
- Overcast conditions and morning drizzle have impacted the pitch, with thunderstorms forecast for day one, which could prevent the surface from changing to a more traditional straw color as hoped by the curator.
- Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg conveyed confidence in a "long and productive Test match" at the SCG. Lewis also stated he felt no external pressure to ensure the fifth Test reached its full duration, though he expressed empathy for his MCG counterpart regarding the previous match.
Historical Context and Recent Trends
The condition and performance of the SCG pitch are under scrutiny, partly due to recent Test matches concluding prematurely.
- The recent Melbourne Test concluded in two days, leading to its pitch being classified as "unsatisfactory" by the ICC. The previous SCG Test against India lasted three days and predominantly favored fast bowlers, receiving a "satisfactory" rating from the ICC.
- Cricket Australia estimates a loss of approximately $15 million in profits this summer, partly attributed to the Perth Test also finishing within two days. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg previously stated that "short Tests are bad for business." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a public remark about the importance of the game lasting until day three, in reference to supporting a fundraiser.
- Historically, the SCG, built on Bulli soil, has been known for producing turning wickets. However, drier conditions can also lead to pitch cracks that benefit seam bowlers. Since 2010, spinners have collectively averaged nearly 50 runs per wicket at the SCG, and the venue is statistically Nathan Lyon's least favorable among major Australian Test grounds.
- Australia has not played an SCG Test without a specialist slow bowler since 1888. However, Smith noted that the characteristics of the SCG wicket have changed over time, no longer consistently providing the dry, turning conditions seen in the past.
- The current Test season has seen a reduced number of overs bowled by spinners. Nathan Lyon was not selected for the Brisbane Test and sustained a hamstring injury in Adelaide. England has also predominantly selected all-rounder Will Jacks over frontline spinner Shoaib Bashir. This series is projected to feature the fewest spin overs in a five-Test Ashes series.
Series Context and Outlook
England, having already conceded the Ashes after losing in Adelaide, aims to conclude the series with a 3-2 scoreline.
- Zak Crawley noted that the team had gained confidence from their first victory in Australia in 15 years, achieved in Melbourne.
- Crawley stated that achieving a 3-2 result would signify a substantial internal difference within the group and demonstrate their unity.
Team Training Notes
During an afternoon training session at the SCG, practice wickets were observed to be responsive after earlier drizzle.
- Usman Khawaja focused on practicing against short deliveries.
- Marnus Labuschagne conducted an extended net session addressing technical aspects.
- Jake Weatherald faced seam bowlers.
Squads
Australia squad (fifth Test): Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook (vc), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue.
England XII (for Sydney): Ben Stokes, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.
Ashes Series Results
- First Test: Australia won by eight wickets
- Second Test: Australia won by eight wickets
- Third Test: Australia won by 82 runs
- Fourth Test: England won by four wickets
- Fifth Test: January 4-8: SCG, Sydney, 10:30am AEDT