Sydney, Jan 1 (NationPress) Australia’s off-spinner Todd Murphy acknowledged that, despite his poor eyesight, he could clearly see the SCG pitch appeared quite green just three days ahead of the fifth Test, once again sparking discussions about the necessity of spinners in this Ashes series.

The 25-year-old Murphy is vying to make his Test debut on home soil after participating in seven matches abroad. However, his selection for Sydney remains uncertain, particularly after he was omitted from the Melbourne Test that concluded in just two days.

Recent images indicate that the SCG pitch, in anticipation of the fifth Ashes Test commencing on Sunday, is predominantly green, heightening the likelihood that Australia might opt for an all-pace bowling lineup.

“I’ve only viewed it from a distance, and my eyesight isn’t great, so it’s challenging to determine precisely what it’ll be like. But given that we’re three days away, there’s definitely a bit of grass on it right now. I have no clue (what it will be like) as I haven’t examined it closely yet,” Murphy told reporters at the SCG on Thursday.

Murphy has ample experience at the SCG, as it serves as the home ground for the Sydney Sixers. He also played there for Victoria in a Sheffield Shield match last November, where fast bowlers thrived. In that match, he bowled 12 overs and understands that a venue once favorable to spin now leans towards pace.

“While it may not have been the case recently, I believe it can spin. We have played on some BBL pitches that have offered spin. I’ve had limited Shield match experiences, and I don’t think the pitch has provided extraordinary conditions. Recently, it hasn’t heavily favored spin, but it still has its significance,” he remarked.

“Over the past few years, Shield cricket has evolved to be more seam-friendly, likely due to the emphasis on results in four-day matches. I don’t think spinners break the game enough across four days, so the focus has shifted to accelerating play at the beginning,” he added.

“Nonetheless, I believe that across all matches, spin continues to play a vital role, so there’s always a place for a spinner. While it might not be on day four where you deliver 30 overs of spin to lead your team to victory, you still feel you have a role to fulfill throughout the game,” he concluded.

Spinners have had a minimal effect in the Ashes series, with only nine wickets taken by them. The green tracks and bouncy conditions have raised concerns about the future necessity of spinners in Australia. However, Murphy, who could become the team's primary spinner for the next decade, remains optimistic.

“I don’t think there was ever a strategy or belief that spin wouldn’t play a role heading into the series,” he replied when questioned about the spinners' role in this series. “It has merely unfolded in this manner. I still believe there’s a definite role for spin, and it will evolve year by year; next year could be different. I still think spin is crucial,” he concluded.