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Did the Ashes spell the end for Australian spinners?
Charles Goodsir • January 12th, 2026 12:59 pm
Former Australian spinner Stephen O’Keefe has forecast a dire future for young Australian spinners and believes that the craft could be phased out over time.
During the most recent Ashes series, Australia didn’t pick a recognised spinner for the Brisbane and Sydney Test matches. Despite major backlash, including from a dropped Nathan Lyon, Australia won both Tests.
O’Keefe, who played nine Test matches between 2014 and 2017, raised concerns over whether Australia is no longer a place where spinners can adequately develop.
“I would like to think that this Summer was an aberration,” O’Keefe said on SEN 1170.
“Looking at the pitches, spinners were just not necessary.
“Spin bowling in this country hasn’t been this strong in a long time.
“We have some great young spinners doing well domestically but also internationally with Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy.
“Both of them already have Test five-wicket hauls.
“I am frustrated because as a captain, you have to look at that wicket in the morning and make that tough decision.
“It’s disappointing because I feel like guys like Murphy, Kuhnemann and even Corey Rocchiccioli are missing that opportunity to develop their game at home and grow some confidence.
“We know how important (spin) is overseas when the Aussies tour.”
England followed a similar path during the Ashes tour and refused to pick frontline spinner Shoab Bashir in any of the five Tests. Instead, England opted for part time spin options with Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell enjoying limited success.
O’Keefe has rejected the idea that you must select bowlers who are able to chip in with valuable lower order runs.
“You have to pick the best four bowlers in the conditions that present themselves,” O’Keefe added.
“Australia has got it wrong sometimes when they go overseas.
“It does help if you can bat (as a spinner) but if you look at that last Australian team, you could slot Murphy in at 11 and you’d still have a really deep batting team.
“I don’t subscribe to the notion that (all the bowlers) have to be able to bat. Just pick them if they are one of your best bowlers.”
Australia will not play another Test match until August where they will host Bangladesh for Two Tests in Darwin and Mackay.
