Todd Murphy with his family before the opening test in Nagpur.
Local cricket hero Todd Murphy has launched himself into the record books with a seven-wicket haul in his test debut.
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Although it was an embarrassing three day defeat for the Australian team, Murphy’s debut is still causing a buzz.
He arrived in Nagpur being referred to as “Nathan Lyons’ apprentice” by some.
With figures of 7/124 and with his family in the stands, the 22 year-old was quickly elevated to cult status.
He now has the fourth best bowling figures by an Australian on debut overseas.
He sits behind Bob Massie’s 8/53 and 8/54 in 1972, as well as Jason Krejza’s 8/215 in 2008.
The haul has also made him only the sixth Aussie to accomplish the feat in their test debut.
Knocking over a number of big names should assure him a start in the next test and beyond.
“It’s been a pretty special couple of days and I suppose to top the day off with a five-for is more than I could ever hope for,” Murphy said after day two.
“It’s going to be something that I’ll look back on the rest of my life and be really proud of.
“This time last year I wasn’t even in the state side.”
Todd Murphy celebrates the wicket of Virat Kohli. Photo by AP/Rafiq Maqbool.
The record books will show Murphy’s first wicket as KL Rahul, caught and bowled.
But what no-one could have predicted was the onslaught of victims that followed, including Kohli, who knicked a ball down the leg side to a waiting Alex Carey.
“That’s a dream come true,” Murphy said.
“He’s a guy I have watched for so long. He’s a hero for all these guys.
“The roar when he came out to bat took me back a little bit and it was quite special to share the field with him.
"When he walked out to bat and the crowd went off, that’s amazing stuff. I think that’s going to live with me forever.“
Todd Murphy, with brother Joel to his left, received Australian Test cap #465 from Nathan Lyon ahead of his debut against India. Photo courtesy of: Cricket Australia
Murphy also paid tribute to his family, who made a last-minute scramble to Nagpur after hearing news of his inclusion to the Test side.
It remains to be seen what the make-up of the squad will be heading into a decisive second Test, but it seems Australia has pinpointed its next spin sensation.
Cricketing legend Mark Taylor has sung Murphy’s praises, telling the Today Show that he believed he would remain in the team.
“His bowling is more suited to India. Todd bowls close to the stumps and attacks the stumps,” Taylor said.
The second Test is headed to Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from February 17-21.
Todd Murphy holds the ball up to the crowd after his first five-for in Test cricket. Photo by AP/Rafiq Maqbool.
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