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Australia Drops Spinner at SCG After 134 Years, Vettori Cites Pitch Trends

Australia made a historic selection call by fielding an XI without a specialist spinner at the SCG for the first time since 1888. Assistant coach Daniel Vettori attributed the decision to recent pitch conditions offering "diminishing results" for spin bowlers. The move came despite the inclusion of young off-spinner Todd Murphy in the squad, with Nathan Lyon already sidelined by injury. On a rain-affected first day, England's Joe Root and Harry Brook built a strong position with an unbroken 154-run partnership.

Key Points: Australia Plays No Spinner at SCG for First Time Since 1888

  • First SCG Test without a frontline spinner since 1888
  • Decision based on recent pitch trends, not tradition
  • Nathan Lyon injured, Todd Murphy omitted
  • England reach 211/3 on rain-hit Day 1
3 min read

Daniel Vettori says "diminishing results for spin bowlers" prompted Australia to play no spinner in SCG

Daniel Vettori explains Australia's historic all-pace selection for the SCG Ashes Test, citing diminishing returns for spin bowlers on the current pitch.

Daniel Vettori says "diminishing results for spin bowlers" prompted Australia to play no spinner in SCG
"You've seen over the last three years it's been diminishing results for spin bowlers here. - Daniel Vettori"

Sydney, January 4

Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori said the decision to play the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground without a specialist spinner was based on recent pitch trends, noting that the venue has offered lesser assistance to spinners in recent years despite its historical reputation.

Australia, having already won the Ashes, entered the Sydney Ashes Test with an unassailable 3-1 lead. With legendary spinner Nathan Lyon sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the 25-year-old Todd Murphy was slotted into the 15-member squad ahead of the SCG Test. However, the off-spinner found no place in the Australia XI, as the hosts went into the match with no specialist spinner and featured an all-pace bowling unit.

Notably, this is the first time since 1888 that the Australian side has fielded an XI at the SCG without a frontline spinner, according to Sky Sports.

Vettori, however, said the team's decision to exclude the spinner was based on the Sydney venue offering lesser assistance to spinners in recent times. He also noted that this is not a trend but a reflection of current surface conditions rather than tradition.

"That's the thing. It's history - it's a long time ago. You've seen over the last three years it's been diminishing results for spin bowlers here, which is obviously not something that we'd like, but it's the nature of the surface. I don't think it's going to be something that's going to continue on for years on end," Vettori said in the post-day press conference after Day 1 of the SCG Ashes Test on Saturday.

Daniel Vettori emphasised the importance and appeal of spin bowling in Test cricket, but said current conditions do not favour it, adding that he expects spin to regain its influence in the future.

Notably, Australia only played Nathan Lyon for the first and third Ashes Tests, but omitted him from the second before he was ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in their Ashes-clinching victory in Adelaide.

"I think spin bowling is incredibly important to Test match cricket. I think people love watching it when it's at its absolute best and when conditions can assist the spin bowler. But we're just in the stage now where that's not the case. I wouldn't be surprised that it changed in the future. I think at some stage it will get back to possibly how it was preceding these last couple of years," Vettori added.

Coming to the Australia vs England Test at SCG, rain and bad light limited play to just 45 overs on Day 1, but England made strong progress, reaching 211/3. Joe Root (72*) and Harry Brook (78*) shared an unbeaten 154-run partnership for the fourth wicket, putting England in control after Australia claimed three early wickets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, it feels a bit sad. Spin bowling is such an art form. Watching Ashwin or Jadeja on a turning track is pure joy. Hope the SCG wicket gets back its character soon.
A
Aman W
Smart, pragmatic call by the Aussies. Why play a spinner just for tradition if the pitch isn't helping? It's a professional sport, not a museum exhibit. They've won the Ashes, they can afford to experiment.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the data-driven decision, it does take away from the variety that makes Test cricket special. An all-pace attack can become one-dimensional. The game needs balance.
V
Vikram M
First time since 1888! That's a crazy stat. But it also shows how much pitches worldwide are becoming more similar - favoring pace and bounce. The unique character of different grounds is fading, which is a loss for the sport.
K
Karthik V
Feel for Todd Murphy. Gets called into the squad and then left out. Tough break for a young spinner. On the other hand, England's batters must be relieved not to face any turning ball!

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