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Murphy ready for Ashes after Indian lessons

Todd Murphy celebrates dismissing India's Virat Kohli during the third Test in Indore in March. (AP PHOTO)

Todd Murphy will enter the Ashes with the belief he can match it with the best at Test level, detailing how his debut tour of India was the best possible learning experience.

Murphy will have the difficult task of trying to replace the injured Nathan Lyon in the third Ashes Test, after Pat Cummins confirmed the spinner would play at Headingley.

At age 22 and with 12 first-class matches to his name, Murphy will be the first man other than Lyon to act as a sole spinner for Australia in a decade.

He is also a different bowler to Lyon. 

While Lyon relies more on over-spin and bounce, Murphy bowls with side spin and turns it a long way.

But he has already proven his best can work for Australia.

The Victorian took 14 wickets at 25.21 in India, playing all four Tests after not expecting anywhere near as much cricket.

"I took away belief that I could match it at that level. It gave me trust in what I do and how it can be effective," Murphy told AAP ahead of the Ashes tour.

"It was more than I could have ever expected. To play four Test matches back-to-back I learned a lot about cricket, myself and just how the game is played.

"It was just the flows of the game

"There are times in Test cricket where you have got to play a holding role. There are times where you have got to attack and be the wicket-taking option."

Murphy is also well aware he will be targeted by England, having indicated as much this week.

But the Test rookie has already proven he will not be overawed.

He dismissed Virat Kohli four times in the one series on his debut tour of India, something only James Anderson has done to the Indian star previously.

And Murphy is more than comfortable having players come at him, adopting the Lyon approach that he is happy being attacked to take wickets.

"I have always been someone who enjoys what I am doing," he said. 

"I don’t get too far ahead of myself. I have fun and embrace the challenges. I know there are going to be good and bad days. 

"As a spinner there are times you are going to get whacked. That is part of the craft and part of the job. 

"Once you can accept that you just have a go and see what happens."

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