Australia Weighs Options Ahead of Fifth Ashes Test at SCG
Cameron Green's place in the Australia XI for the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG is not guaranteed, with selection dependent on the pitch surface.
Steve Smith stated that all options are on the table, including the possibility of fielding both Green and Beau Webster as allrounders and potentially omitting a spinner. Around 13 to 14 players remain in contention for the final squad.
Green's Ashes form has been modest, with an average of 18.7 across six innings and a top score of 45, having moved up and down the batting order.
Beau Webster is in the selection mix despite not playing in the series so far. He has had an excellent start to his Test career and can bowl both spin and pace. Both Webster and Green have been training in the nets ahead of selection.
Todd Murphy's chances appear uncertain after being left out of the SCG squad; he last played against Sri Lanka in early 2025 and had served as cover for Nathan Lyon.
Nathan Lyon's record at the SCG this series has been weak, with a bowling average of 39.2. According to Smith, the SCG is no longer the spin-friendly ground it once was.
Australia has already retained the urn, but World Test Championship points remain at stake. The team is also motivated by Usman Khawaja’s farewell, cited as a motivational factor.
