In the quiet morning sun of country Victoria, Todd Murphy quietly reshaped the trajectory of his international cricket career. The synthetic nets at Sandhurst Cricket Club witnessed a pivotal moment for the seven-Test Australian spinner, a session that would ultimately restore the fizz in his bowling and pave the way for his recall to the national Test squad.
For Murphy, it wasn’t just another practice session. It was the culmination of months of reflection, rehabilitation, and technical fine-tuning-a journey that would see him emerge as one of Australia’s most promising spin talents outside of Nathan Lyon.
“Nice ball, Todd.”
These words from Steve Smith, uttered after Murphy’s overspun off-break fizzed off the SCG practice pitch into the splice of Smith’s bat, encapsulated the significance of the moment. More than a compliment, it was validation. A recognition of the painstaking work Murphy had undertaken to rediscover his signature energy on the ball-the fizz that makes batsmen uncomfortable and keeps selectors intrigued.
The Road to Recall: Context Behind Todd Murphy’s Journey
Murphy’s inclusion in Australia’s Test squad during the 2025-26 Ashes came at a time when the team was navigating the absence of its veteran spinner, Nathan Lyon. While Lyon’s 567 wickets had established him as Australia’s most reliable off-spinner, Murphy was poised as the next in line, a bowler capable of rising to the occasion. Yet, just months prior, confidence in his stock delivery-a ball that drifts, dips, and turns unpredictably-was anything but certain.
After a challenging stint in England with Gloucestershire, Murphy returned home with mixed feelings about his performance. Across four first-class matches, he had taken 11 wickets at an average of 56 runs, a modest return that left him questioning his form and consistency.
“There were just a couple of things that were creeping in,” Murphy told the Unplayable Podcast. “I wasn’t loving how I was bowling and it just felt that I lacked a little bit of energy on the ball.”
The Mentorship That Mattered: Craig Howard’s Guidance
The turning point came in August 2025, on a cold Victorian morning in Bendigo. Murphy reunited with his long-time mentor, Craig Howard, at the Sandhurst Cricket Club nets. Howard, a renowned spin coach who first discovered Murphy as a teenager in junior representative trials, immediately identified the subtle flaws creeping into his bowling action.
Howard noted that Murphy’s arm position had drifted from its optimal release point, slightly squaring the seam and reducing the fizz that had once made him lethal. A key factor was the physical strain Murphy had endured while nursing a problematic right shoulder, which had seen tendon issues carry over from his debut international season.
“He lacked a bit of energy behind the ball, which led to a squarer seam and less curve,” Howard explained. “When he gets it right, the ball dips, drifts, and turns perfectly.”
The fix, according to Howard, was deceptively simple: Murphy needed to adjust his arm to point straight up at the release point, a subtle tweak that would restore his signature off-spin fizz.
Table 1: Todd Murphy’s Technical Fix Overview
| Aspect | Issue | Corrective Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm angle | Over-past perpendicular at release | Straighten arm to vertical | Improved dip and drift |
| Shoulder power | Compensating for tendon weakness | Strength and conditioning | Restored energy and spin |
| Seam alignment | Squarer seam | Refined wrist and release | Increased bounce and unpredictability |
| Overall “energy on the ball” | Lacking | Technical drills + mentoring | Stock off-break restored |
Physical and Mental Rehabilitation
Murphy’s journey back to form was not purely technical. Extensive gym work had strengthened his right shoulder, enabling him to bowl with confidence and consistency.
“It felt like I was overcompensating for the lack of power at one point, but after strengthening my shoulder, I could trust my body and focus on proper technique,” Murphy said.
This holistic approach-combining strength, technique, and mental clarity-was essential in restoring his confidence and effectiveness on the field.
Returning to the Club Nets: The Sandhurst Session
The session at Sandhurst marked Murphy’s return to the fundamentals. For approximately one hour, he worked with Howard on perfecting his stock delivery, monitoring subtle adjustments in arm position, release, and follow-through. The aim was clear: regain the fizz that had once made him a standout spinner in domestic and international cricket.
“From that point onwards, I felt like I was back in good positions, and my energy on the ball had returned,” Murphy reflected.
This session acted as a springboard. Within weeks, Murphy traveled to India, where he impressed in two ‘A’ matches, taking wickets consistently and proving his readiness for higher-level competition.
The Statistics Speak: Recent Performance
Murphy’s resurgence was quantifiable. His subsequent Sheffield Shield matches demonstrated improved effectiveness, with a bowling average significantly lower than his previous county stint.
Table 2: Todd Murphy’s Recent Key Stats
| Competition | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloucestershire (County) 2025 | 4 | 11 | 56.0 | 4/72 |
| Sheffield Shield (2025) | 4 | 10 | 23.1 | 3/64 |
| Australia ‘A’ Tour (India 2025) | 2 | 6 | 18.5 | 3/42 |
| 2025-26 Ashes (Pre-fifth Test) | – | – | – | – |
Strategic Value in Domestic Cricket
Murphy’s role in domestic cricket, particularly in the Sheffield Shield, has evolved. Beyond taking wickets, he has embraced holding roles to support the pace attack. This tactical versatility enhances team performance, particularly when pitch conditions or match situations limit the effectiveness of spin.
“Your job isn’t always to take wickets; sometimes it’s to hold an end and allow the quicks to rest,” Murphy said.
This adaptability has cemented his reputation as a dependable spinner, capable of adjusting his approach according to match demands.
Comparison with Contemporaries
While Murphy has had to compete with other promising spinners for selection, his technical improvements and ability to generate “fizz” have made him the preferred choice alongside Lyon.
Table 3: Australian Spin Options Comparison
| Player | Wickets (Last 3 Shield Seasons) | Key Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Todd Murphy | 51 | Stock off-break, energy on the ball | Recent technical refinement |
| Corey Rocchiccioli | 104 | Consistency | Shield leader but limited international experience |
| Matthew Kuhnemann | 16 (Sri Lanka Tests) | Support spinner | Chosen as Lyon’s partner earlier |
The Path Ahead: Test Cricket Opportunities
Murphy’s resurgence comes at an opportune moment. The 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia presented the chance to play a Test at home, where conditions could favor his rejuvenated stock delivery. Observers anticipate that when Murphy takes the field, he will generate the same discomfort for England’s batters that Smith experienced at the SCG nets.
Table 4: 2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes-Test Results
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| First | Australia | Won by 8 wickets |
| Second | Australia | Won by 8 wickets |
| Third | Australia | Won by 82 runs |
| Fourth | England | Lost by 4 wickets |
| Fifth | SCG, Sydney | Jan 4-8, 2026 |
Squad Overview for Fifth Ashes Test
Table 5: Australia Squad-Fifth Test
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Steve Smith (c) | Captain / Batter |
| Scott Boland | Fast Bowler |
| Alex Carey | Wicketkeeper |
| Brendan Doggett | Fast Bowler |
| Cameron Green | All-rounder |
| Travis Head | Batter |
| Josh Inglis | Wicketkeeper / Batter |
| Usman Khawaja | Batter |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Batter |
| Todd Murphy | Spinner |
| Michael Neser | Fast Bowler |
| Jhye Richardson | Fast Bowler |
| Mitchell Starc | Fast Bowler |
| Jake Weatherald | Batter |
| Beau Webster | All-rounder |
Table 6: England Squad-Fifth Test
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Ben Stokes (c) | Captain / All-rounder |
| Harry Brook (vc) | Vice-Captain / Batter |
| Shoaib Bashir | Fast Bowler |
| Jacob Bethell | Batter |
| Brydon Carse | Fast Bowler |
| Zak Crawley | Batter |
| Ben Duckett | Batter |
| Matthew Fisher | Fast Bowler |
| Will Jacks | All-rounder |
| Ollie Pope | Batter |
| Matthew Potts | Fast Bowler |
| Joe Root | Batter |
| Jamie Smith (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| Josh Tongue | Fast Bowler |
Todd Murphy’s Bowling Style: The Stock Ball Reimagined
Murphy’s signature delivery is deceptively simple but profoundly effective. The stock off-break drifts from right to left for a right-handed batsman, dips late, and varies in turn depending on the surface. Mastery of this delivery requires precise arm action, wrist position, and energy—attributes that Murphy regained after his focused work with Craig Howard.
The renewed stock ball has already impacted selection confidence. While other spinners like Rocchiccioli and Kuhnemann remain competitive, Murphy’s refined technique and recent performances reaffirm him as Australia’s best alternative to Lyon.
Also read: Cricket Retirement: Usman Khawaja Announces Emotional Farewell After Final Ashes Test
Challenges for Spinners in Modern Shield Cricket
Australian spinners often face an uphill battle in domestic cricket due to seam-friendly pitches. Victoria’s success this season, leveraging a skilled pace attack, illustrates the difficulty for spinners to consistently influence matches. Despite this, Murphy has demonstrated resilience, taking wickets in short bursts and fulfilling tactical roles effectively.
“You’ve got to find ways to still be effective and play your role,” Murphy noted.
This mindset distinguishes him as a team player and a strategic bowler capable of adapting to diverse match situations.
Conclusion: A Promising Future
Todd Murphy’s journey from self-doubt to Ashes selection underscores the importance of mentorship, self-reflection, and technical refinement in professional cricket. The Sandhurst nets session may have been unremarkable to the casual observer, but it represented a critical juncture in a spinner’s career.
As the fifth Ashes Test looms at the SCG, Murphy’s restored fizz promises to challenge England’s batting lineup and provide Australian selectors with a confident option in the spin department. Fans and analysts alike will be watching, anticipating the performance of a bowler who has rediscovered the magic that first made him a rising star in Victorian cricket.
Career Timeline-Todd Murphy
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Discovered by Craig Howard at junior trial |
| 2018 | Sheffield Shield debut for Victoria |
| 2023 | Stood in for Nathan Lyon in England Tests |
| 2024 | Shoulder injury challenges first full international season |
| 2025 | County stint with Gloucestershire; returns to refine technique |
| Aug 2025 | Sandhurst nets session with Craig Howard |
| Late 2025 | Outstanding performances in India and Shield cricket |
| 2026 | Recalled for fifth Ashes Test at SCG |