With the final Ashes Test looming at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Australian stand-in captain Steve Smith has declared that no player is guaranteed a spot in the final XI, keeping the team's strategy, including the crucial decision of playing a spinner, wide open. This comes after the controversial pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) led to a rapid finish and an 'unsatisfactory' rating from the ICC.
All Options on the Table for Sydney
Ahead of the Test starting Sunday, January 4, 2026, Smith emphasized that the team management is considering multiple combinations. The inclusion of off-spinner Todd Murphy in the 15-man squad does not guarantee a playing berth, with Australia potentially fielding an all-pace attack similar to the Melbourne Test or opting for a couple of all-rounders.
"I haven’t had a chance to look at the wicket this morning, so all options are on the table currently," Smith told reporters. "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... No-one’s locked in yet. There’s 13 or 14 guys on the table."
Pitch Condition Under Scrutiny After Melbourne Debacle
The team's cautious approach follows the events of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, which ended in just two days of actual play. A total of 20 wickets fell on the first day and 16 on the second before England secured a four-wicket victory. ICC match referee Jeff Crowe subsequently rated the pitch 'unsatisfactory', handing the venue one demerit point.
All eyes are now on the SCG pitch, which has shown a green tinge throughout the week. However, SCG chief curator Adam Lewis sought to allay fears, stating on Friday that the grass was expected to recede. "You want to see a green tinge three days out. We’re really happy with the pitches at the moment. We’re looking good," Lewis said.
Backing for Under-Fire All-Rounder Cameron Green
Amid the selection puzzle, Smith also threw his support behind struggling all-rounder Cameron Green. Despite playing all four Tests, Green has averaged only 18.66 with the bat, with just one score above 40, and has taken only three wickets.
"He’s got himself in on a few occasions and probably not gone on with it," Smith acknowledged. "What we know with Cam is he’s a quality player... Not too long ago he contributed some really valuable runs in the series in the West Indies on some tricky surfaces. Regardless of what happens right now, we think he’s got a really bright future."
As the Australian camp weighs its final combination, the condition of the SCG pitch on the morning of the match will be the decisive factor in whether a spinner like Todd Murphy gets the nod or if the hosts rely once again on their potent pace battery.
