All-rounder Beau Webster will replace Mitchell Marsh in the Australian lineup for the fifth Test against India, according to the team’s captain Pat Cummins on Thursday. Australia, who are leading the series 2-1, won the fourth test in Melbourne by a comprehensive margin of 184 runs earlier this week. They must win the fifth test in Sydney to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in 10 years.
IND Vs AUS, 5th Test: Beau Webster To Make His Test Debut
“Beau’s been in the squad for a few tests now, Mitchy hasn’t quite got the runs or the wickets he’d have liked so we thought it was time for a freshen up,” Cummins told reporters at Sydney Cricket Ground.
Mitchell Marsh, the T20 captain of Australia, has had a low-key series so far with 73 runs from the first four tests and not much bowling. This is what prompted the selectors to choose Webster, a 31-year-old cricketer with a wealth of experience in domestic cricket for Tasmania. Webster has not played for the national team in any format but has an impressive first-class record with 5,297 runs and 148 wickets in 93 matches.
Mitchell Marsh Out
“It’s a shame for Mitchy because we know how much he brings to the team, but we feel like now is a good week for Beau to get a chance.
The only change to the Australian side is the inclusion of Webster, who will replace another pace spearhead in Mitchell Starc, who fought through a back issue during the last match. If Australia wins the final test then it would also guarantee Australia a spot in this year’s World Test Championship final against South Africa.
Australia Playing XI: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
