In a rare occurrence, Australia is playing the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground without a specialist spinner for the first time in 138 years. This decision, which also sees England fielding no specialist spinner, has raised eyebrows given SCG's history of aiding spin bowlers. Australia's playing XI includes batting all-rounder Beau Webster, making his Ashes debut, replacing Jhye Richardson, while spinner Todd Murphy was again omitted despite earlier suggestions of his inclusion.