Murphy hopes selection spins his way for the Ashes finale

AUSTRALIA'S Todd Murphy is crossing his fingers that spin finally gets a chance to shine in the Ashes, but the pitch at Sydney looks green two days out from the New Year Test.

- By RORY DOLLARD

Durham seamer Matthew Potts is set to step up for England amid their bowling absences

Seamers have dominated the series, with a meagre total of nine wickets falling to spin across the first four matches while pace bowlers have helped themselves to 129.

England have yet to select Shoaib Bashir, who trav-elled as first-choice spinner but has fallen behind batting all-rounder Will Jacks, with the latter taking four wickets at an average of 61.50.

With Nathan Lyon out following hamstring surgery, Murphy is hoping to make his home debut at the SCG, typically one of the country’s most spin-friendly surfaces, but first sight of the surface on Thursday showed a lush layer of grass.