Todd Murphy’s identify has been talked about as a potential bolter for subsequent yr’s tour of India, however Victorian teammate Nic Maddinson says that time period is unfair and the teenager is an apparent option to make his Test debut in spin-friendly situations.
The 22-year-old has solely performed seven first-class matches however has proven in that point he has the temperament and ability to be a real menace on the largest stage.
The off-spinner bowled Victoria to victory in final week’s Sheffield Shield match towards NSW, claiming career-best match figures of seven/86 to take his tally to 14 wickets from simply three matches this season.
That’s on prime of the three/27 he took for the PM’s XI within the first innings towards the West Indies in addition to the 4 wickets he picked up for Australia A towards Sri Lanka A again in June.
It’s why Maddinson is adamant the younger gun ought to beat out the likes of Mitchell Swepson and Adam Zampa to associate Nathan Lyon when the Aussies journey to India early subsequent yr.
“I’d take him to India,” Maddinson advised the NCA NewsWire whereas talking on the BBL launch in Sydney.
“But I wouldn’t call him a bolter. I think he’s a clear standout in Shield cricket at the moment for the spinners.
“He’s got incredible control as a finger spinner and he bowls so well to right and left-handers, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him picked for that tour.”
While Murphy could appear unassuming, Maddinson has been impressed together with his on-field management and his willingness to dictate phrases to his senior teammates.
“It’s pretty impressive when you consider just how few first-class games he’s actually played,” he mentioned.
“In spite of that, he takes control of his fields and isn’t afraid to call the shots.
“You wouldn’t think he was seven games into his career by the way he conducts himself on the field. He likes to take charge but he’s also willing to learn and more than happy to take ideas from everyone else.
“I think that’s a huge thing for a young player and it’s been great to see him develop so quickly since he’s joined our squad.
“He doesn’t give the batters anything and you saw against NSW that he wears people down and eventually takes their wicket.”
Maddinson should face Murphy throughout this season’s BBL, with the spinner re-signing with the Sixers again in October after he joined the squad late final yr.
That was music to the ears of Sixers keeper Josh Philippe, who took a catch off Murphy’s bowling through the match in Sri Lanka.
“He works his backside off, he’s very fit and he deserves everything that comes his way,” he mentioned.
“I think he’s absolutely ready to make his Test debut because he’s a fantastic bowler. He went on the Sri Lanka tour for the Aussie A series and he bowled exceptionally well over there.
“When he came in for us last year in the BBL, he was ready. For someone that young to come into the Big Bash the way that he did last year shows you everything you need to know.
“If he gets an opportunity next year, then he’ll be ready to go.”
