The Ashes might already be settled, but Australia and England will still duel it out for bragging rights in the Sydney Test set to kick off this Thursday, the 4th of January from the SCG. As per usual, experts are expecting another spin friendly wicket for the 5th and final Test, bringing some potential changes into the minds of both the selection committees.
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For the Aussies, West Australian Ashton Agar has been recalled to the Australian squad in a somewhat controversial call. The left arm spinner has played just one Sheffield Shield game for Western Australia this season and averages 45 with the ball through his four Tests to date. He does, however, give a good compliment to the right arm off spin of Nathan Lyon, although so to would have promising young wrist spinner Mitchell Swepson, who has taken 16 in the Shield competition this season.
For England, the likely spin option will be young leg spinner Mason Crane, who could make his Test debut at the age of just 20 years old if the English selectors decide to pair a full time spinner with the part time off breaks of Moeen Ali. Ali has had a tough series after getting absolutely no help from some flat and hard Australian wickets, he could gain some redemption here on a turning SCG wicket.
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Whatever bowling attack the English side choose to go with, you can be sure it will be tailored to attempt to do one thing, get Australian captain Steve Smith out. The master Australian batsman has plundered a mammoth 604 runs throughout the first four Tests and has scored a ton in three of the four games. He is averaging 151 through six innings and provided one of the most composed match saving innings in Melbourne, compiling 102 off 438 deliveries.
The drop in MCG pitch used for the Boxing Day Test has recently been rated as poor by the ICC, making it the first time that an Australian pitch has gotten the rating for an international game. The Sydney ground staff will be hoping to rectify that by providing a pitch that is consistent with their reputation for spin friendly wickets.
The likelihood of a pitch that offers a bit more for the bowlers definitely brings the tourists back into it in our opinion, however, with the current form of Steve Smith alone, it’s almost impossible to bet against the Aussies. He said at the start of the series that he ‘didn’t think they would be able to get him out all series’ and he’s been basically right. An in form Smith basically guarantees the Aussies a score over 400+ in the first innings, and to fight back from there is a tough ask for England. Back the Aussies to finish the series with a comfortable 4-0 score line.
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