Despite having already lost the series, England opener Zak Crawley is unconcerned and has reiterated that the visitors will continue to their cherished Bazball technique in a match when they play for pride and nothing else. The leading candidate to spearhead Australia’s spin assault at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the fifth Test of the Ashes 2025–26, which begins on Sunday, January 4, is Todd Murphy.
Speaking to reporters prior to the New Year’s Test, Crawley reaffirmed that England has a single playing philosophy regardless of the outcome and that they have no intention of altering it in front of the SCG match. Therefore, having Todd Murphy—or any bowler, for that matter—would not need the Englishmen to adopt a new strategy.
“I believe our team’s motto is to try to put pressure on individuals, regardless of who plays. Although Todd is an excellent bowler, I can see us attempting to exert pressure on him, just as we would on any of their bowlers. Cricbuzz cited Crawley as saying, “That’s going to come with some risks, and if it’s turning it, it’s definitely going to be a threat.”
Since Nathan Lyon was sidelined for the Ashes due to a hamstring injury sustained during the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, Murphy has gained prominence among the uninitiated. After injuring his hamstring early on Day 2, he was unable to continue playing in the match and has since been declared out of cricket for an unknown but extended amount of time.
With the Australians leading 3-1, Murphy will try to make an impression in the series’ last game as he has the leeway to express himself. In contrast, England will be trying to stop the off-spinner’s charge, therefore it will be a thrilling match in the series decider.
England team for the fifth Ashes Test:
Ben Stokes (c), Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
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