Steve Smith Breaks 137-Year Tradition in Sydney Ashes Test

• Australian captain Steve Smith excluded all spin bowlers from the playing XI for the Ashes 2025-26 Sydney Test.
• This marks the first time since 1888 that Australia has played a Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground without a single spinner.
• Smith's decision was based on the Sydney pitch curator leaving light grass, making spinners less effective despite Sydney's spin-friendly reputation.
• Medium-pacer all-rounder Beau Webster was included in the team instead of spinner Todd Murphy, who was in the 12-player list.
• England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first; Australia has already secured the Ashes series.

Why It Matters: Steve Smith's bold decision to drop spinners in Sydney ends a 137-year Australian cricket tradition.