Despite both teams having full-time spinners, Australia\u2019s Todd Murphy and England\u2019s Shoaib Bashir, neither chose to include them in their starting lineups. Murphy\u2019s omission is especially notable because it marks the first time since 1888 that Australia did not field a spinner at the SCG.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For the fourth time in the past six Test matches, and the first time since 1888 in the history of SCG Tests, the hosts have not included a full-time spinner. This situation has raised concerns among the former Australian opener about its potential impact on the development of future spin bowlers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s amazing to think that both teams are without a front-line spinner (for a Sydney Test). I know in my time that would have been absolutely unheard of. But you can\u2019t blame the selectors or Steve Smith for going down the track they have,\u201d Katich told SEN Cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For the fourth time in the past six Test matches, and the first time since 1888 in the history of SCG Tests, the hosts have not included a full-time spinner. This situation has raised concerns among the former Australian opener about its potential impact on the development of future spin bowlers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The action from the SCG will continue on Monday, with England having finished Day 1 on 211\/3, courtesy of an unbeaten 154-run fourth-wicket partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook. While the former remained not out, scoring 72, the latter scored an unbeaten 78 to help the visitors recover from an early collapse.<\/p>\r\n\r\n