Australia DUMP Cameron Green for 5th Ashes Test despite KKR’s ₹25.20 crore IPL deal

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has said that they are considering changes to the playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025-26 against England. McDonald said that all-rounder Cameron Green could be dropped due to form and balance concerns, adding that the team has quality backups available.

The fifth and final Test between Australia and England will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4 to 8. Cameron Green has struggled to deliver in the ongoing series, averaging just 18.6 with the bat, the second-lowest among recognized batters from both teams, ahead of only Ben Duckett.

With the ball, Cameron Green has bowled 37.5 overs across four Tests, taking three wickets at an average of 52.6. As a result, there have been calls to make changes to the playing XI for the Sydney Test. Beau Webster and Josh Inglis are among the players being considered as possible replacements for the final Test.

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It's a Nice Problem to Have - Andrew McDonald on Cameron Green's Form

Andrew McDonald stated that Cameron Green is under pressure and added that Beau Webster is waiting for an opportunity, describing the situation as a healthy selection dilemma. He said that further talks will take place before finalizing the XI for Sydney.

“It’s a nice problem to have (selection dilemma). People are going to debate selection. They’re going to debate where Cameron’s (Green) at at this point in time and how he fits," McDonald said on Monday.

"We know we’ve got a quality player (in Webster) sitting there waiting. We’ve got a batting order that we’d like to think can function at a higher capacity, so we’ll be having conversations leading into Sydney," he added.

I'd Love to Pick Todd Murphy - Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald said that Todd Murphy is likely to feature in the Sydney Test, with conditions at the SCG expected to suit a specialist spinner. He said that Australia are not comfortable going into red-ball matches without a frontline spinner and added that Murphy is back in good rhythm.

“It takes a lot for us to not pick a spinner, and we have been pushed into making that decision," McDonald noted.

“Red-ball games, that’s the first time in a long time that we haven’t picked a spinner (in Melbourne). It’s not something that we like doing. I don’t think it’s something that will happen moving forward.

“I’d love to pick Todd (Murphy). I’d love to see what he’s got to offer. We think he’s back to his best, and what we’ve seen when he’s come closer to the camp has been excellent. We’d love to pick him," he added.

Beau Webster and Todd Murphy in Consideration for Playing XI

Beau Webster made his Test debut at the SCG against India in January 2025. He scored a half-century and dismissed Shubman Gill in that match. Webster has since featured in Tests in Sri Lanka, the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, and a series in the West Indies but has not played in the Ashes.

Todd Murphy joined the squad as cover after Nathan Lyon was ruled out due to injury. Australia have gone without a frontline spinner three times in five Tests, including twice in the current Ashes series.

Lyon was also left out of the day-night Test in Jamaica earlier this year and missed the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. Although the hosts secured the Ashes within 11 days, they suffered a defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia still hold a 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Also read: Ben Duckett demands beer from fans during Live Ashes Test at MCG, video breaks internet