The Ashes LIVE: Australia make a stunning call just before the start of play – and one
England win the toss and will bat as Smith confirms Aussie selection shock
There’s 5mm of grass on the SCG deck and Ben Stokes had no hesitation in deciding to bat.
‘It looks a pretty good one and as the game goes on it might become a little bit easier,’ he said of the wicket.
Steve Smith would’ve made the same decision had he won the toss. He’s 0-4 when it comes to that in this series.
He also confirmed that Beau Webster is into the team, replacing Jhye Richardson, and Todd Murphy will not play.
Webster can bowl offspin if needed, but it can’t be stressed enough that going without a specialist spinner in Sydney is a stunning move from the hosts.
This hasn’t happened for almost 140 years and as we mentioned below, Kerry O’Keeffe will be outraged by the snub. He won’t be the only former great of the game who’s fuming, either.
It continues a big lack of emphasis on spin from both teams this series, with Nathan Lyon dropped for Brisbane, and not replaced for the Melbourne match after his injury in Adelaide.
England have relied on Will Jacks, who struggled badly in the third Test, instead of Shoaib Bashir.
