AUS vs ENG: Australia Playing XI for 5th Ashes Test Announced; Surprise Bowler Makes The Cut

Ricky Ponting has predicted his Australia team for the 5th and final Test of Ashes 2023. Ricky Ponting feels that Australia will bring back Todd Murphy in the playing XI in the final Test at the Kennington Oval Stadium in London.

Todd Murphy was dropped from the team in the AUS vs ENG 4th Test in Manchester. Earlier, he replaced injured Nathan Lyon in the 3rd Test. However, since the off-spinner could only grab 1 wicket in the match, he was dropped from the side in the previous game in Manchester.

Also Read: AUS vs ENG: England Have Dominated But Still Haven’t Been Good Enough – Ricky Ponting On England

Australia Might Bring Back Todd Murphy: Ricky Ponting

While speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting revealed his predicted playing XI for the Aussies in ENG vs AUS 5th Test. Ponting feels that the Kangaroos might bring back Todd Murphy in the next encounter as The Oval Stadium is a bit spin-friendly.

“I’ve got a feeling that they’ll want to bring Murphy in for the last Test. The Oval generally does spin a little bit more, and already I think the forecast for this week in London looks better than last week, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Murphy comes back in”, the former Australia skipper said.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “They’ll Regret How…” Ricky Ponting Points Out One Area England Might Regret After Manchester Washout

Ricky Ponting, who led Australia to two ODI World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, also feels that Australia will have to drop Cameron Green in the 5th Test to induct Todd Murphy.

“If Murphy comes in, then they’ve got a really big decision to make. All the fast bowlers are physically fine, which they should be. They’ve had an extra couple of days off, really, after two washed out days in Manchester.

I think if they’re all okay, I think they’ll go on and get and play one more Test match. So the decision will come down to Murphy and Green again”, said the former right-handed batter.

Cameron Green replaced Todd Murphy in the playing XI in the previous game. Cameron Green is a medium-pace all-rounder. Hence, Australia added an extra batsman to their team in the previous game, retaining both all-rounders Mitchell March and Cameron Green.

Also Read: AUS vs ENG: Got Out Of Jail! Ricky Ponting Predicts Australia’s Feeling After Manchester Test

Australia Will Stick To David Warner In 5th Test: Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting also feels that there won’t be any other change in Australia’s playing XI in The Oval Test. Ponting believes Australia will stick to David Warner in the final game too.

“I don’t think there’ll be any other changes to be honest. David Warner looked good again in the first innings of – well actually in both innings of the game at Manchester.

Unfortunately he probably squandered a couple of starts again, but he’s looked good. I think they’ll stick with him at the top there for the last Test match of the series”, the 48-year-old further added.

Here’s Ricky Ponting’s predicted Australia XI for 5th Test: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Josh Hazlewood.

Meanwhile, Australia vs England’s 5th Test of Ashes 2023 begins on July 27 (Thursday) at The Kennington Oval Stadium in London. Australia leads the series 2-1 after four games and has already retained the Ashes urn. They need to either win or draw the final game to win the series.