5th Test
Beau Webster has been called up to replace Mitchell Marsh for the SCG Test
Australia will give Beau Webster his Test debut for the New Year’s Test against India in Sydney, replacing the out-of-form Mitchell Marsh in the XI.
This is the only change to the team that took a commanding 2-1 lead in Melbourne, with Mitchell Starc fit to continue despite experiencing rib soreness during the Boxing Day Test.
Marsh has had a challenging series, with his last five innings failing to yield any double-digit scores.
He has also bowled just 33 overs, and after pulling up sore following the Perth Test, his pace has been noticeably down.
“Mitchy obviously hasn’t quite gotten the runs, and perhaps wickets, this series,” Cummins said ahead of the Test.
“So we felt it was time for a freshen up, and Beau has been fantastic.”
“It’s tough for Mitchy because we know what he brings to the team, but we feel this is a good opportunity for Beau,” Cummins added.
Meanwhile, Tasmanian all-rounder Webster has averaged 57.1 in first-class cricket since March 2022, while also taking 81 wickets at an average of 31.7.
Last year, the 31-year-old became the first player since West Indian legend Sir Garfield Sobers to score 900 runs and take 30 wickets in a Sheffield Shield season.
Ahead of this series, he scored an unbeaten half-century for Australia A against India A in the first four-day match at Mackay and took two three-wicket hauls in the second match in Melbourne.
“Really excited for Beau; the first thing Mitchy said was ‘I can’t wait to see Beau go out there and give it a crack’,” Cummins said.
“Particularly here in Australia, when a batter misses out or gets dropped, it’s often seen as a big thing.
But the way [Australia coach Andrew McDonald], the selectors, and I see it, we love pulling together a squad of players we can call upon at different times.”
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