Aussies weigh up selection options for SCG finale

Andrew McDonald would be "very comfortable" taking five bowlers into the final Test against South Africa at the SCG in what would be a 10-year first for the Australia cricket team.

But the head coach insists all selection options remain on the table.

The Test at the spin-friendly SCG sparks yearly debate as to whether Australia should reconfigure their traditional bowling set-up to feature two tweakers, rather than only one alongside three pacemen.

The discussion is more pertinent this year given the upcoming Test tour of India.

After second Test injuries to Mitch Starc and Cameron Green opened up spots in the squad, McDonald has called spin-bowling allrounder Ashton Agar in for the Sydney fixture.

"Game time at Test level is always beneficial, and if it does have connection to a tour in the future then no doubt it makes sense," McDonald said.

McDonald would not guarantee a fifth Test cap for Agar, while adding it was not essential to downsize the pace attack if he were to include the left-hander in the side.

Alex Carey belted his maiden Test century batting at seven in the second Test and McDonald said the performance had given him confidence the wicketkeeper could jump up the order to make way for five bowlers if required.

If McDonald does take that option it would mark the first time Australia has played five specialist bowlers in a home Test since 2013, when four quicks and one spinner were fielded against Sri Lanka at the SCG.

"There are so many options depending on what the surface offers in terms of the balance of the attack," McDonald said.

"It could be two spinners, two quicks. We could play a slightly more aggressive team with Alex Carey going to six, and play five bowlers.

"Or we could play probably what we'd call a normal structure for Australia where it's three quicks and one spinner and some part-time spin options to help out."

Playing five bowlers could also open up a spot for bolter Lance Morris, who was called in to the squad ahead of the second West Indies Test but has yet to earn his first Baggy Green.

While Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood and captain Pat Cummins are the likeliest quicks to be picked in a five-bowler scenario, Morris' blistering pace is a point of difference and would make him a fitting replacement for the injured Starc.

"All scenarios are on the table," McDonald said.

"If we feel as though we need some air-speed then Lance is the obvious one. The conditions will determine that."

Men's NRMA Insurance Test Series v South Africa

First Test: Australia won by six wickets

Second Test: Australia won by an innings and 182 runs

Jan 4-8: Third Test, SCG, 10.30am AEDT

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, David Warner

South Africa squad: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Eree, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Heinrich Klaasen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Khaya Zondo

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