Young Victorian spinner Todd Murphy has been handed a dream debut in Australia's opening Test against India in Nagpur.
After playing just seven first-class games, Murphy was confirmed as Australia's 465th Test cricketer at VCA Stadium on Thursday.
The 22-year-old was presented with his baggy green by star veteran Nathan Lyon, who is 13 years his senior.
Murphy's family, including beaming father Jamie, immediately left their home in the border town of Moama on Tuesday to be there for his first Test.
Murphy has taken 29 wickets at an average of 25.20 since debuting for Victoria in April 2021.
Australia are breaking with tradition by picking Murphy, with the last time they selected two front-line right-arm offspinners being in 1988 when Peter Taylor and Tim May teamed up for a Test in Pakistan.
Murphy is Australia's first Test debutant since Queensland leggie Mitchell Swepson was brought in for the second match against Pakistan last March.
