Australia’s off-spinner, Todd Murphy, closely studied Ravichandran Ashwin during his debut Test tour to India, particularly focusing on Ashwin’s renowned carrom ball, as he aims to enhance his own bowling skills ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.

Murphy, who impressed with 14 wickets in four Tests in India at an average of 25.51, is currently in England with the Australian squad for the World Test Championship final against India, followed by the five-Test Ashes Tour.

While Murphy acknowledges the complexity of Ashwin’s carrom ball and admits he is still far from mastering it, he emphasizes the importance of perfecting his stock delivery as his primary focus.

Murphy acknowledges the value of having a delivery that moves differently, posing challenges for batsmen. However, he emphasizes the significance of strong fundamentals and ensuring his stock ball is in excellent form for Test cricket.

During his time in India, Murphy closely analyzed Ashwin’s bowling action, studying videos and freeze-framing the point of delivery to understand the nuances of the craft. He appreciated the accessibility of analysis tools and enjoyed observing Ashwin’s hand and wrist positions, noting the subtle variations he implemented throughout his overs.

Nathan Lyon is currently Australia’s first-choice spinner, and Murphy is uncertain about his chances of playing in the upcoming tour. He hopes for Lyon’s fitness and form to remain intact while acknowledging the squad mentality and the need to contribute to the team’s success. Murphy aims to stay prepared and ready for any opportunities that may arise, as circumstances can change rapidly.

The Australian squad for the Ashes includes players like Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and David Warner, among others.