Uncapped spinner Todd Murphy set to make Test debut in India

Australia will roll the dice on an uncapped spin bowler in the first Test against India, with captain Pat Cummins saying the XI is set.

Uncapped spinner Todd Murphy appears set to make his Test debut in Nagpur, with Australia to deploy two specialist off-spinners in a Test for the first time since 1988.

It is understood members of the Victorian’s family are travelling to Nagpur after being notified he would play in the first Test against India.

Speaking from Nagpur on Wednesday, Australian captain Pat Cummins did not reveal the playing XI but confirmed the selectors had chosen the side.

Cummins said 22-year-old Murphy would be “as prepared as he could be” for his baptism of fire in India.

“He’s been bowling beautifully in the nets over here,” he said.

“He’s started really well for Victoria in first-class cricket. If he got the nod, he’s got Nathan Lyon down the other end that he can work with.

“He’s ready – everyone in the squad here has had really good preparation. Whoever we pick is 100 per cent ready to go. “

Murphy’s inclusion has likely come at the expense of either Ashton Agar or Scott Boland, although Australia may have opted to elevate keeper Alex Carey to number six to accommodate an extra bowler in the side.

His selection caps off a whirlwind start to his first-class career, in which he has claimed 29 wickets at 25 in seven matches.

He starred with hauls of 3-44 and 4-42 in his most recent Sheffield Shield game against NSW in December.

Todd Murphy’s impressive form for Victoria has helped him bolt into Test calculations for Australia’s tour of India. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

The 22-year-old toured Sri Lanka with Australia A in 2022 and impressed with a haul of 4-52 in Hambantota.

Australia has not opted for two right arm off-spinners in its bowling line-up since Tim May and Peter Taylor played together on the 1988 tour of Pakistan.