Seventh heaven: Murphy stars in Test debut

By Gregor Mactaggart

Feb 12, 2023

You beauty: Todd Murphy celebrates one of his seven wickets on Test debut against India. Photo: Rafiq Maqbool/AP

Todd Murphy is Australia’s newest cricket sensation.

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The 22-year-old from Moama was the lone shining light as Australia suffered a devastating innings and 132-run defeat to India in the first Test at Nagpur.

Murphy produced one of the greatest debuts by an Australian bowler.

The off-spinner took 7-124 from 47 overs as India posted 400 in its first innings (with Australia bowled out for 177 and 91).

His figures were the sixth best in the proud history of Australian cricket, only surpassed by Albert Trott (8-43, 1895), Bob Massie (8-53 and 8-84, 1972), Jason Krejza (8-215, 2008) and Tom Kendall (1877).

“It’s been a pretty special couple of days,” Murphy said.

“(A seven-wicket) haul on debut is more than I ever hoped for.

“It is going to be something that I’ll look back on for the rest of my life and be proud of.”

Murphy, who had played just seven first-class matches, was somewhat of a surprise selection for the first Test.

His family, including dad Jamie, uncle Troy and brother Joel, left home in Moama at 2am to get on a flight to Nagpur in time from Melbourne via Sydney and Bangalore.

“I forgot to even pack clothes into the suitcase,” Jamie told media in India.

They certainly witnessed something special after he was presented with his baggy green by Nathan Lyon to become the 465th Australian men’s Test cricket.

Murphy was also the pride of the clubs he has played for on his stunning rise to the Test ranks.

“Well well well, we have our 1st ever test cricketer!! Super super proud of you Toddy. You deserve this mate and we know you’ll have a huge career,” Moama Cricket Club posted on Facebook.

“Enjoy the contest and most of all enjoy the ride! Give Kohli a send off too!”

Murphy had the chance to do just that on day two as he claimed the pair of India’s batting luminaries in Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli.

Having earlier dismissed nightwatchman Ravichandran Ashwin, Murphy claimed the prized wicket when Pujara played an uppish sweep to Scott Boland at short fine leg.

He then had Kohli strangled down the leg-side, well caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey, for just 12.

Sandhurst Cricket Club, where Murphy was cap 423 at first-grade level, wished him well.

“Congratulations Todd, we’re absolutely thrilled for you,” it posted on Facebook.

His current home is Melbourne Premier Cricket Club St Kilda, where father Jamie won a District Cricket premiership in 1991-92.

“7/124 (47) on debut in Nagpur for our boy. Welcome to Test Cricket,” the Saints posted on Twitter.

So to the Victorian cricket team.

“Victorian Todd Murphy finishes with an incredible seven wickets on Test debut in India,” it posted on Facebook.

In addition to his seven wickets, Murphy also brought up his first Test runs with a nice push through mid-off before falling for two as Australia was bowled out for 91 in its second innings.