Murphy eyeing Sri Lanka Test tour as Lyon's understudy continues to build

Victoria’s Todd Murphy has started the Sheffield Shield season well for Victoria, taking 10 wickets from three state games and four wickets in the Australia A clash against India as he looks to put his hand up again for Test selection.

So far, the 24-year-old has played the six Tests, taking 21 wickets at an average of 25.42.

All of those Tests have come overseas, and it doesn’t appear like he’ll be taking over the reins on home soil as a sole spinner just yet, with Murphy believing that 36-year-old veteran Nathan Lyon is still bowling as well as ever.

While he may not be ready to overtake Lyon as the nation’s No. 1 option, he’s eyeing the upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in January and February where he could again serve as Lyon’s understudy in a spin-heavy attack.

“At the end of the BBL season there’s a tour of Sri Lanka, which is on the cards,” Murphy told SEN Afternoons.

“There's also the back end of the Shield summer, so whatever the rest of my season looks like there’s plenty of cricket around, which is awesome.

“From an Australian point of view, Nathan (Lyon) is obviously still going as well as ever, so I don't think there's any danger of him finishing anytime soon.

“It's just about staying ready and trying to make sure that if there is an opportunity I'm putting my name up there.”

In regards to putting his name up in front of selectors, Murphy thinks that the best way to do that is by simply performing well for his state, with communication clear from Cricket Australia about what he has to do to earn international call-ups.

“The simplest answer is to keep putting the numbers on the board and keep performing for your state,” Murphy said.

“The communication is really clear from above about what they're looking for in particular players and where opportunities might come in the future. 

“The conversation's always ongoing, but the easiest thing you can do is keep putting numbers on the board with Victoria. That's the easiest way to have some attention come your way.”

Murphy next gears up for a day/night Shield clash against Brisbane at the Gabba beginning on Sunday, November 24.