One of the most promising spinners in the country is off to India.
After months of speculation, Moama’s Todd Murphy has been tapped on the shoulder for Australia’s upcoming Test tour of India in February.
The 22-year-old off-spinner will join one of Australia’s most significant tours of the sub-continent in recent memory, one of three options picked to partner front-line spin option Nathan Lyon.
The 18-man squad announcement came on Wednesday morning.
Murphy’s selection caps a meteoric rise in Australian cricket for the former local cricketer, particularly for Victoria, Australia A and the Prime Minister’s XI.
The young gun claimed 3-27 in the PM’s XI drawn match against West Indies in November.
Murphy is currently plying his trade for St Kilda at Victorian Premier level and from his two appearances this summer has taken four wickets.
Australian selector George Bailey said Murphy’s inclusion was reward off the back of some standout performances in recent months.
“Todd Murphy has progressed quickly, having impressed in domestic cricket and recently with Australia A. With those performances Todd has emerged as a strong spin option,” Bailey said.
“Selection in this squad also provides another opportunity to spend time alongside Nathan Lyon and assistant coach Daniel Vettori in India which will be invaluable to his development.”
Widely regarded as the heir apparent to Lyon, Murphy’s maiden selection in the Aussie Test squad will allow him to push his case for a debut Test cap in the first match-up against India at Nagpur starting on February 9.
His addition comes on the eve of a highly-anticipated four-Test tour for the Aussies, who are seeking their first series victory there since 2004.