After missing the last two Victorian Sheffield Shield clashes through injury management, the off-spinner returns to red-ball cricket for the four-day game against Pakistan at Manuka Oval.
Murphy accepted his cap from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pre-game before getting into his work, up against a Pakistan top order who had stabilised after the early loss of Imam ul-Haq on day one.
The 22-year-old toiled away early as Pakistan found its rhythm, with Mark Steketee and Jordan Buckingham in the wickets as the visitors navigated to 3-214.
That became four wickets with Murphy’s first of the summer, bowling Saud Shakeel for 13 runs.
He did not strike again, ending with figures of 1-110 off 29 overs. Pakistan skipper Shan Masood posted 201 runs and declared on 9-391 on day two of the clash.
Murphy will be hoping for another crack at the opposition with the ball as he aims to play a part in Australia’s Test summer, which begins on December 14 in Perth as the Aussies and Pakistan compete for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.
The young gun looks set to remain second in line to Nathan Lyon for the three-Test series, the obvious choice to come into the XI if required, after a remarkable debut season playing in series against India and England.
Murphy will also continue his BBL career after earning a contract extension with the Sydney Sixers.
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