England’s white-ball captain and explosive batter Harry Brook couldn’t resist a cheeky dig after Australia made a shocking yet history-breaking selection call for the fifth and final Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney on January 4.
Harry Brook Mocks Australia’s Historic No-Spinner Gamble at the SCG
The Australian cricket team fielded the pace-only attack for the first time at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in nearly 140 years. As he walked off unbeaten on 78, having helped steer England to a strong 211/3, Brook highlighted the irony of the situation in the ongoing New Year’s Test.
After the stumps on Day 1 due to bad weather, Harry Brook admitted that he had expected to face more spin, especially at the SCG, where spin usually plays a big role. He pointed out how little spin bowling has been used in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 compared to past tours.
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Harry Brook said at the press conference at the SCG, “Yeah, I was expecting to face a little bit more spin. Something came up on the TV that there’s only been 60 overs or something per side this whole series. So, yeah, and then in previous years there were 260 overs of spin. So, yeah, I was expecting to face a little bit more spin than we have, but their seamers have been outstanding this whole series. They’ve been relentless, and they’ve hit the lengths over and over again.”
Harry Brook Pokes Fun at Labuschagne’s Leg-Spin
With no specialist spinner for the ongoing New Year’s Test at the SCG, Australia is relying on part-time options, including Marnus Labuschagne, whose occasional leg-spin has often delivered surprise breakthroughs. And Brook made the most of the opportunity with a cheeky shot at Australia’s spin plans and Labuschagne’s effectiveness and credibility with the ball.
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However, the hosts have barely used Labuschagne, but the leg-spinner has bowled a couple of overs so far in the Ashes 2025-26 against England. Brook signed off by saying, “So, you can see why they’ve gone with a five-seam attack this week. However, many they’ve got in there. Labuschagne as well.”
Harry Brook had a cheeky shot at the end of his press conference 😂 #Ashes
Day one report: https://t.co/zra583jFzW pic.twitter.com/BzIPtfqrPc
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2026
The End of an SCG Tradition: A 140-Year First
Australia’s team selection became a major talking point after the opening day’s play. The hosts surprised everyone by leaving out off-spinner Todd Murphy as they went with the all-rounder Beau Webster. It was a historic decision, as Australia went into a Sydney Test without a frontline spinner for the first time in almost 140 years.
By going with Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Webster, the hosts broke their tradition that they had been following since 1884 at the SCG. However, the call was justified by Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith, who cited a green and soft pitch for the move.
Smith said at the toss, “Hate dropping Todd Murphy, but we keep producing wickets that we don’t think are going to spin.”
