IND vs AUS: Another Australian off-spinner is attracting attention for his Test debut at the same location, fifteen years after Jason Krejza rocked India with an eight-wicket haul in Nagpur. Todd Murphy, who has played in only seven first-class games, received his baggy green this week after a successful Sheffield Shield campaign for Victoria. To witness this special occasion Murphy’s family was in VCA Stadium’s stands. And their arrival to the city in Maharashtra is nothing sort of a blur to them. Follow India vs Australia LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Todd Murphy phoned his father Jamie, who is in Moama, Victoria, late on Tuesday night and informed him that he will play his first Test in Nagpur. The family flew to Todd’s city of destiny the following evening.
“I don’t know what we packed in the suitcase. I forgot to even pack my clothes into the suitcase,” Jamie told Indian Express.
Photo: Indian ExpressTodd Murphy’s dad indeed was a super happy man after the off-spinner took five wickets on his debut against India in the first Test in Nagpur. In excitement, the rookie spinner’s dad compared him to legendary Shane Warne and said, “Lot of traits of Warnie in Todd’. When the off-spinner was quizzed for the same during a post-match press conference, Todd got a bit embarrassed and said, “Not sure about anything similar to Warnie, but to have them here was pretty special.” Murphy was the shining star on day two of the Nagpur Test in an otherwise dismal day for Australia.
Todd Murphy couldn’t believe it when his old man compared him to Warnie! 🤣 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/pboQlDjypD
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 10, 2023
IND vs AUS: ‘Five-for was worth jet lag’ says Todd Murphy’s father, Aussie Test debutant’s family traveled halfway around the world on QUICK notice, CHECK out
Murphy outclassed Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson for the gig in playing XI. And he didn’t disappoint as Murphy’s pick turned out to be a stroke of genius. The 22-year-old became the youngest Australian spinner to take a five-wicket haul in Tests.
The offspinner from Echuca Moama receives Baggy Green no.465 from Nathan Lyon!
Go well, Todd 🇦🇺 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/FDkzB3Cqqs
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) February 9, 2023
With a tired grin, Murphy’s father says: “It was worth all the effort. Just to see him make his debut was great, and to see him pick the wickets was a tremendous feeling.”
Jamie jokingly adds, “I think he got lucky with a couple of wickets, but we would take that.”
Todd Murphy couldn’t believe it when his old man compared him to Warnie! 🤣 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/pboQlDjypD
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 10, 2023
Since Ian Meckiff did it against South Africa in 1957, Murphy is the only Australian bowler to take the team’s first four wickets in a Test match.