Vettori defends all-seam attack, backs spin's future

AUSTRALIA'S spin bowling coach, Daniel Vettori, has defended the side's decision to field an all-seam attack in the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) but insisted that

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AUSTRALIA'S Scott Boland prepare to bowl on day one of the fifth Ashes as spin-bowling coach Daniel Vettori defends decision to omit spinners in the match. | AFP

(AFP)

spin bowling remains very important in the longer format.

With veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon sidelined by a hamstring injury, Australia opted not to select a frontline spinner for the Test match in Sydney, the first time since 1888.

It's also the third time Australia has fielded an all-pace bowling attack in the ongoing series. "It's probably just a point in time.