Cricket: Green wicket for Ashes finale

Michael Clarke trains ahead of the fifth Ashes test in Sydney. Photo / Getty Images

James Faulkner's odds of playing in the fifth and final Ashes test have shortened, with Michael Clarke admitting a seam-friendly SCG pitch will be crucial in team selection.

Faulkner is in line to replace under-pressure middle-order batsman George Bailey, and could benefit from an unusually green-tinged SCG wicket for the test starting on Friday as Australia attempts to complete a 5-0 series whitewash of England.

Bailey has struggled in his debut test series, averaging 27.20 with just one half-century.

By contrast, Faulkner is a bowling all-rounder with a terrific first class bowling average of 142 wickets at 23.

Clarke admitted it would be a good storyline to become the first Australian team to remain unchanged through a five-test series.

But he said it wouldn't alter coach Darren Lehmann's edict to pick the best eleven for every match.

"I think it would be extremely romantic,'' Clarke said on Thursday.

"But I think you've got to pick the best 11 players to help you have success in the conditions you're playing.

"If conditions turn out to be similar to what they have been in the past four test matches then I think selectors will go that way.

"But we certainly need to pick our best team to win this test match.''

The only other likely changes to the Australian team would be forced through injury.

The duo with fitness concerns, allrounder Shane Watson and fast bowler Ryan Harris, both bowled in the team's final net session on Thursday.

Watson, who injured his groin bowling during the Boxing Day test, didn't hold back when bowling at Bailey.

Clarke, who batted but didn't take part in a fielding session on Thursday, said they wouldn't make a decision on the final squad until Friday morning.

"I don't have any idea of the team at this stage,'' he said.

"We're waiting to see how the guys pull up tomorrow morning.

"Everyone is out in the nets batting or bowling.

"I'm really confident guys will pull up fit, but we need to give them every chance and wait and see how they wake up in the morning.''

Clarke also said he expected England to make some changes, including recalling dumped wicket-keeper Matt Prior.

"He's been an important player for England over a long time,'' he said.

"I think you can see the benefit of Brad Haddin in our team, just with his experience.

"Obviously (Haddin's) performances have been great but his experience being our vice-captain is crucial to our team and I think Matty's probably very similar to Brad in regards to his worth to the England team.''

- AAP