Murphy in the mix for Test recall

Todd Murphy says he’d “love to be” on next year’s tour of Sri Lanka alongside fellow off-spinner Nathan Lyon, although he played down suggestions he’s the man next in line to replace the veteran who has taken 532 Test wickets.

Australia will play two Tests in Galle starting on January 29, with Murphy one of the leading candidates to be included in a squad that will carry several spinners who will flourish in the conditions over there.

Murphy is no stranger to the region having taken four wickets in an Australia A game over there in 2022, while he also played four Tests in India last year, claiming seven wickets on debut in Nagpur.

Selectors have a few tough choices to make with Matt Kuhnemann, Tanveer Sangha and Adam Zampa in the mix given they turn the ball away from right-handers, while Corey Rocchiccioli’s height and bounce could be handy, with both he and Murphy taking 14 wickets this Sheffield Shield season.

“I’m aware it’s there, and no doubt a couple of spinners are going to get the opportunity to go,” Murphy said.

“I’d love to be on that tour.

“The block of Shield cricket is gone now so us guys that are pushing for it have done what we can. What will be, will be.”

Murphy’s debut in India last year was made slightly easier by the fact he’d played in Asia before, and it’s why he’d feel comfortable going back to Sri Lanka if selected.

“I think I was in a way comfortable going to India in the first place,” he said.

“I’ve had some good access to Asian conditions because I’d been to Sri Lanka and India a few times.

“I’m confident with what my game looks like in those conditions. If I was to get the opportunity, I’d be confident that I could go over there and play well.

“The wickets potentially bounce a bit more than they do in India.

“It’s a slightly different way of bowling, but it’s always a bit of a fun when the ball is spinning. It’s nice to be able to fall back on that.”

The 24-year-old has been touted as the man to eventually replace Lyon in the Australian side when he retires, but even if that’s the case, Murphy doesn’t think it’s fair for any direct comparisons.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be the next Nathan Lyon,” he said in Sydney.

“I think I bowl slightly differently to what he does and we’ve got different strengths.

“He’s been amazing for Australian cricket and he’s the sort of guy you look at and try to model your game on that, but I don’t think I’m the next Nathan Lyon.

“It doesn’t really worry me. It’s a nice compliment if they’re saying that.”

Murphy and the other Test hopefuls must now focus on the BBL for the next few weeks, with bulk wickets sure to count for something before the Test squad is announced.

And Murphy has the chance to shine this season following the retirement of veteran spinner Steve O’Keefe, who has led the attack for more than a decade with his miserly economy rate and ability to pick up crucial wickets.

“We all know how valuable he was to the Sixers. I’d love to play a small part in replacing that a little bit, but I don’t feel any pressure,” said Murphy, who will be supported by key overseas signing Akeal Hosein.

“I just try to do my thing and hopefully that’s good enough.

“I’ve still stayed in touch with him and I’d love to see him at some stage during the BBL to continue those conversations.

“It’s always nice having a guy who’s been through it all that you can speak to about it. He’s had great success in T20 cricket, so they’re the conversations you want to have.”