Moama cricket export added to Sydney Sixers squad

Murphy was announced as a replacement for injured spinner Steve O’Keefe at the weekend and linked up with the Sixers for his first training session on Sunday, December 19.

The 21-year-old was named in the squad of 15 for Tuesday night’s clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground, one of two spinners to be named for Sydney’s fifth game of BBL 11.

With off-spin bowling a premium commodity in the BBL and Sixers spin duo O’Keefe and Ben Manenti sidelined, Murphy is an attractive bowling option for Sixers’ head coach Greg Shipperd, who said he was impressed with Murphy’s body of work so far in his burgeoning career.

“Todd has been doing good things for a number of years through his teens and last season made his List A and first-class debuts for Victoria,” Shipperd said.

“He has a thirst for cricket knowledge and the craft of off-spin.

“We look forward to him contributing to the Sixers on and off the field while he substitutes for Steve O’Keefe.”

Murphy made one appearance for the Hounds in last season’s GVBBL hit-out against Cobram Panel Works Panthers.

He spun a web and collected 2-19 from his four overs.

A BBL berth would cap what’s been a break-out year of cricket for the young offie, who ticked off Victorian debuts in the Marsh One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield.

Murphy’s 50-over debut came against Tasmania in March, returning figures of 1-39.

In April, Murphy became Victoria’s 863rd first-class cricket representative in the Sheffield Shield against South Australia at Junction Oval.

In the T20 format, Murphy’s most recent exploits came in the Victorian Premier Cricket Super Slam for St Kilda, claiming figures of 2-15 and 3-34.

The Sydney Sixers are currently second on the BBL table with a 3-1 win-loss record.

The Sixers will be in action again on Boxing Day as they take on cross-town rival Sydney Thunder.

The match against the Thunder can be viewed live on Channel 7 and Kayo, with the game scheduled to begin at 6.05pm.