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Steve Smith Keeps Options Open as Australia Delays Team for Final Ashes Test

Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith confirmed the team has not finalized its playing XI for the final Ashes Test at the SCG, stating all selection options remain open. The decision will depend on a last-minute assessment of the pitch, with combinations involving spin and all-rounders under consideration. Australia enters the match leading the series 3-1 but aims to rebound from a defeat in the fourth Test. Smith emphasized the goal is to secure a 4-1 series victory and important World Test Championship points.

Key Points: Australia Delays Team for Final Ashes Test, Smith Says "All Options On Table"

  • Australia leads series 3-1
  • Final XI depends on pitch conditions
  • Spin and all-rounder options considered
  • Aim to win series 4-1
2 min read

"All options are on table": Steve Smith as Australia delays announcing team for final Ashes test

Stand-in captain Steve Smith says Australia's playing XI for the SCG Ashes Test is undecided, with team selection pending a final pitch assessment.

"All options are on the table currently. - Steve Smith"

Sydney, January 3

Australia's Test stand-in captain Steve Smith said that the team is yet to decide on the final playing 11 for the last and final Ashes Test, set to be played at th Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4.

Australia will come into the SCG Test having reclaimed the Ashes, leading the series 3-1.

While Ben Stokes-led England, who won the fourth Ashes Test, named spinner Shoaib Bashir in the 12-member squad for the SCG Test, Smith said Australia would decide on their final 11 only after getting a proper assessment of the Sydney pitch and that all "options are on the table currently".

"Nah, haven't had a chance to look at the wicket this morning, so all options are on the table currently. Yeah, obviously hasn't had a great deal of sunlight, so yeah, need to check it out, see what it looks like. It still looked pretty green yesterday, so yeah, we need another look at it," Smith said during the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

Smith said team selection will depend on the pitch, with Australia considering various combinations, including different all-rounder and spin options.

"Could play a couple of all-rounders. Could play a spinner. Could play no spinner. We'll figure it out once we see the surface and see which way we want to go about it," Smith said.

"No-one's locked in yet. As I said before, we haven't picked a team. There's 13 or 14 guys on the table and we want to see that we can see how we match up against that," Smith added.

Australia faced a four-wicket defeat at the hands of England in the fourth Test of the ongoing five-match series, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Reflecting on the loss, Smith said, "It was disappointing last week to go down. We were outplayed at the back end of that game. So yeah, hopefully we can turn it around here, win this series 4-1, and now more importantly, I suppose, just win a Test in the Test Championship cycle."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
As an Indian fan watching, this is good captaincy. Our team often does the same - waits to see the pitch. England bringing in a spinner is interesting. The mind games before the final Test are always fun!
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David E
Respectfully, I think Australia is overthinking this. They've already won the Ashes. Just play your best XI and go for the win. This kind of last-minute uncertainty can sometimes backfire in the dressing room.
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Aman W
The mention of the Test Championship points is key. Even though the Ashes are won, every match matters for the WTC final. Hope we get a good pitch and a competitive game. Sydney usually produces a result.
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Sarah B
It's fascinating to see the tactical side. "All options on the table" keeps everyone guessing. England won the last one, so Australia will be eager to bounce back. Should be a cracking final Test!
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Vikram M
Classic Aussie mentality - never take the foot off the pedal. Even at 3-1, they want that 4-1. As an Indian, I appreciate that competitive spirit. Our team needs to be this ruthless when we have a series won.

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