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'You Can Take Pace Out Of The Game...,'  Australian Coach Provides Insights On Team Combination Ahead of 4th Test

image-ljxxyzloTodd Murphy bagged a solitary wicket at Headingley

In a bid to mound their bowling unit and ensure that they have an extra dimension to their attack, Australia's head coach, Andrew McDonald, has strongly indicated that they are unlikely to enter the fourth Ashes 2023 Test without a spinner. McDonald highlighted the role a spinner plays in the team, underscoring the balance and versatility they bring to the table.

McDonald bats for a spinner's inclusion in the fourth Test

During the third Test at Headingley, off-spinner Todd Murphy, who filled in for the injured Nathan Lyon, had a relatively subdued outing. While Murphy managed to dismiss England captain Ben Stokes in the first innings, he also faced a barrage of sixes from the English batsmen. Despite this, McDonald's conviction regarding the indispensability of a spinner remains firm.

While speaking to the media, McDonald expressed a preference for having a spinner in the team as it provides a balanced attack and offers various options. 

According to him, the inclusion of a spinner allows for the ability to slow down the pace of the game and prevents the team from becoming predictable and one-dimensional. The former Aussie all-rounder further acknowledged the need to evaluate the situation but affirmed their inclination towards including a spinner in the team.

"We like a spinner. We like to have a balanced attack and it gives you options, you can take pace out of the game and you become one dimensional ... without the ability to turn to a spinner. We'll have to assess that, but as it sits at the moment we do like to have the spinner in the team," said McDonald as quoted by Perth Now.

Following their failure to bowl out England in the fourth innings at Headingley, the Australian team is eager to assemble a string bowling lineup for the upcoming encounter at Old Trafford. As the team deliberates over their selection, it is highly likely that Scott Boland, who went wicketless at Headingley, may find himself relegated to the sidelines.

The fourth Ashes Test, set to commence on July 19 in Manchester, will see the Aussies fight to retain the urn on English soil for the first time since 2001 whereas England will look to level the playing field after trailing the series 2-1.