PAIN IN THE GRASS

Todd fears green top will stall spin shift

- BY RORY DOLLARD

AUSTRALIA'S Todd Murphy is crossing his fingers that spin finally gets a chance to shine in the Ashes - even though the pitch at Sydney looks green ahead of the New Year Test.

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 travelled 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 yesterday showed a lush layer of grass.