Todd Murphy replaces Cameron Green in Australia team for the final Ashes Test as Pat Cummins’ men look to win the urn in England for the first time since 2001
- Todd Murphy replaces Cameron Green for the final Ashes Test
- Murphy was dropped after bowling just nine overs in the third Test
- The off-spinner is the only change from the team named at Old Trafford
Australia have made one change for the final Ashes Test at The Oval with Todd Murphy replacing Cameron Green into the team.
Murphy’s hitherto only appearance in the series came in the third Test at Headingley, in which he bowled only 9.3 overs as England won by three wickets.
The 22-year-old missed out in the rain-affected draw at Old Trafford, but Australia have opted to bring the spinner back on what is renowned as one of the more spin-friendly venues in England.
Australia have retained the Ashes and head to The Oval looking to win the urn in England for the first time since 2001.
Murphy’s return meant one between Green and fellow all-rounder Mitchell Marsh would have to be squeezed out.
Todd Murphy is back in the team for the final Ashes Test at The Oval
Cameron Green misses out after returning into the team for the fourth Test
The latter blasted a superb 118 at Headingley after he replaced the injured Green and made a crucial 31 not out on Day Three at Old Trafford, before the rain came to Australia’s rescue.
Green, meanwhile, has averaged just 20.6 with the bat and has taken four wickets at 47.
Earlier this week, Australia coach Andrew McDonald suggested they would be prepared to play Marsh as a specialist batter and pick only four bowlers amid concerns over the all-rounder’s fitness.
Marsh spent time off the field on Day Three with stiffness in Manchester and did not bowl after that.
McDonald, however, was relaxed about the prospect of playing only three quicks.
‘He’s a little bit sore, hence why he was off the field. So I’m not going to hide that,’ he said.
‘Does it impact his position in the team? I think the team has played three quicks and one spinner, if we go that way, numerous times in the past.
‘We have had the luxury of allrounders, or in particular Cameron Green, that’s changed the shape of the team over time.
‘But I mean, runs are premium first and foremost.’
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