Sydney, Jan. 4 -- Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori said the decision to play the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) without a specialist spinner was based on recent pitch trends, noting that the venue has offered lesser assistance to spinners in recent years despite its historical reputation.

Australia, having already won the Ashes, entered the Sydney Ashes Test with an unassailable 3-1 lead. With legendary spinner Nathan Lyon sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the 25-year-old Todd Murphy was slotted into the 15-member squad ahead of the SCG Test. However, the off-spinner found no place in the Australia XI, as the hosts went into the match with no specialist spinner and featured an all-pace bowling unit.

Notab...