Chris Rogers Believes Todd Murphy Will Bounce Back in Australian Cricket

New Delhi, India, August 29: Former Australian opener and current Victoria head coach Chris Rogers is confident that Todd Murphy is on the right path to regain his best form. Murphy, who has shown promise as Australia’s next frontline spinner, has faced challenges with injuries and form slumps.

Rogers explained, “He had what just about every young player goes through. He had to deal with injury probably for the first time in his career, playing with pain and going through a bit of a form slump last year.” Despite these struggles, Rogers remains optimistic about Murphy’s future. “Hopefully, he’s coming right out of the back of those issues. We’re very hopeful he will be back to his best and if he is, he makes us such a better team,” Rogers added.

Rogers praised Murphy’s professionalism and team spirit, noting that his frustration with his performance last year did not affect his behavior. “He was clearly frustrated with his output last year but never to the detriment of anyone else in the team or anything like that in terms of how he carried himself,” Rogers said.

Murphy’s composure and maturity are seen as key traits that will help him overcome his recent challenges. “I think the best thing about Todd is his ability to stay level-headed,” Rogers noted. “He’s just such a solid citizen that you want him in your side because you know he’s going to be level, he’s going to plan well, he’s going to be professional, he’s going to do everything he can,” Rogers added.

Murphy faces stiff competition for a place in Australia’s Test side, competing against spinners like Corey Rocciccioli, Mitchell Swepson, and Matthew Kuhnemann, as well as versatile players such as Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell, and emerging allrounder Cooper Connolly. Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka in early 2025 could provide an opportunity for Murphy to reassert his claim as a key spin option.

Australia aims to ensure a smooth transition in their spin department, something they struggled with after Shane Warne’s retirement in 2007. Rogers pointed out, “Nathan Lyon seems like he could play forever. But he won’t.” Murphy is aware of the long-term opportunity and remains patient about his role. “That’s professional cricket and nothing’s ever given easy,” Murphy said. “You’ve got to be willing to put in that work. And I think Nathan has earned the right to be able to play for as long as he wants to play for,” he added.

Murphy is focused on continually improving and being ready to step up when needed. “It’s just continually trying to get better for me and make sure if anything does happen to Nath, or whenever he does call time, that I’m still in a place where I’m bowling well enough and I can hopefully give the selectors what they need after that,” Murphy concluded.