Todd Murphy likely to play final Ashes Test as Australia sweat over injuries of two key players

Todd Murphy and Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images and OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Australia are all set to play the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at The Oval which begins on July 27, Thursday. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who sustained a calf injury during the Lord’s Test will be a huge miss for Australia in the final Test.

Since Australia decided to enhance their lower-order batting in the fourth Test, Lyon’s performances at The Oval might help rookie spinner Todd Murphy to get a chance to play in the fifth and final Ashes Test. At training in London on Tuesday, Murphy had discussions with Pat Cummins and team strategist and Assistant coach, Daniel Vettori, indicating he is likely to make a comeback after losing his spot to Cameron Green in the Manchester Test.

Lyon has a solid track record at The Oval, according to Cummins, and his absence in the fifth Test will be a major concern. Among the venues where he has played at least twice, The Oval is notable as Lyon’s finest one in the United Kingdom as he has taken 14 wickets at an average of 24.07.

“Nathan Lyon’s got a really good record here. So I think that’ll be part of the conversations,” Cummins was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Todd Murphy was dropped from Australia squad for Manchester Test

Despite bowling less than 10 overs during the third Ashes Test at Headingley, Todd Murphy, who made his Ashes debut, removed English captain Ben Stokes in the first innings and proved his worth. After Green recovered from injury ahead of the fourth Test in Manchester, Murphy was left from the starting lineup. With Green failing to perform well so far in the series, the 22-year-old is expected to return to the playing XI.

The Australians have stressed that Mitchell Marsh’s soreness at Manchester, which prevented him from bowling on day three of the fourth Test, is not indicative of an underlying injury. On the other hand, Mitchell Starc, who landed awkwardly on his bowling shoulder last week. However, Australia anticipates both Starc and Marsh will recover from their injuries in time for the forthcoming Test match.

Australia squad:

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner