The Test spinner in green
Murphy's job is to be the Stars' frontline finger-spinner. He bowls right-arm off-break, takes wickets with drift and bounce, and gives the captain a bowler who can bowl in the powerplay or the middle overs — the most versatile spinner in the squad.
He joins a spin group that includes leg-spinner Mitch Swepson, and the two of them give the Stars a genuine spin pair: Murphy's off-spin and Swepson's leg-spin turn the ball in opposite directions, which makes it hard for batters to settle. He has played Test cricket for Australia, and his debut — 7 for 124 against India in Nagpur — is one of the best Test debuts by an Australian spinner. The Stars signed him as one of their ins for BBL|16, and his availability is a boost: he is a Victorian, playing for his home club, with no overseas commitments to pull him away.
Squad note: the Stars have announced 14 players so far, as of 31 October 2026. The full squad has not been announced — clubs can carry up to 18 players and are still adding names — so this page will be updated as the club confirms more signings.
Seven for 124 on Test debut
Murphy made his Test debut for Australia against India in Nagpur in February 2023, and took 7 for 124 in the first innings — the best figures by an Australian spinner on Test debut in India. It was the performance that made the cricket world learn his name.
He has played Test cricket for Australia since, and he has been a mainstay of Victoria's domestic side, where his off-spin and his lower-order batting have made him a regular. In the BBL he played for the Sydney Sixers before moving to the Stars, and his signing is part of the club's plan to build a spin attack that can win games on Melbourne pitches. He is also a useful lower-order batter, and his fielding is sharp.
Where he fits in the Stars
The Stars' bowling attack in BBL|16 is built around its spinners — Murphy and Swepson — and its experienced quicks, Siddle and Hatcher. Murphy's role is the middle overs, where his off-spin can tie batters down and take wickets when they try to hit him out of the attack.
His Test experience matters in a side that has never won the title. He has bowled in India, against the best players of spin in the world, and he knows how to handle pressure. At the MCG, where the Stars play four home games, his bounce and drift will be hard to play, and his partnership with Swepson gives the captain two different spin options in the same innings. If the Stars are to end their wait for a first title, their spinners will have to win games — and Murphy is the one most likely to do it.
The BBL Points Table will carry the standings once the season starts — the Stars finished fourth last season, their best return in years, and the table is where their title chase will be measured.
What’s next
Todd Murphy starts BBL|16 at the MCG on 18 December, against Adelaide Strikers — the Test off-spinner in Stars colours for the first time this season.
The full list of every BBL fixture is on the BBL Schedule, with the MCG opener against the Strikers first.
- Match 5 — vs Adelaide Strikers: Fri 18 Dec, 1:45 PM IST · Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Match 8 — vs Brisbane Heat: Mon 21 Dec, 1:45 PM IST · Junction Oval, Melbourne
- Match 13 — vs Perth Scorchers: Sat 26 Dec, 3:45 PM IST · Perth Stadium
- Melbourne derby — vs Melbourne Renegades: Sat 16 Jan · Melbourne Cricket Ground
Follow every Stars result as it happens on SialTV, with the points table updated after every match day.
Frequently asked questions
What did Todd Murphy do on Test debut?
He took 7 for 124 for Australia against India in Nagpur in February 2023 — one of the best Test debuts by an Australian spinner.
Which BBL team did Todd Murphy play for before the Stars?
The Sydney Sixers. He moved to the Stars for BBL|16.
When does Todd Murphy play his first match for Melbourne Stars?
His first match is Match 5 against Adelaide Strikers on Friday 18 December 2026, starting at 1:45 PM IST at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.