Australia has added fast-bowling allrounder Beau Webster to their squad for the second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, following growing concerns about Mitchell Marsh’s fitness. Marsh, who was sore after the first Test in Perth, has prompted the Australian selectors to bring in Webster as a potential replacement.
Webster, 30, has been in outstanding form for Tasmania in Australia’s domestic cricket circuit. His recent performances have been particularly impressive, as he scored 61 and 49 with the bat and claimed five wickets in Tasmania’s 55-run victory over New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
With 93 first-class matches under his belt, Webster has accumulated 5,297 runs at an average of 37.83, including 12 centuries and 24 half-centuries. He has also proven himself as a reliable bowler, taking 148 wickets at an average of 37.39, which includes three four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket innings.
Webster was also a standout performer in the recent two-match unofficial Test series against India A. He scored an unbeaten 61 in the first match and followed it up with a match-winning knock of 46* in the second game, along with six wickets in a brilliant all-round display.
As Australia prepares for the second Test in Adelaide starting December 6, all eyes are on Mitchell Marsh as he works to regain full fitness. Marsh had bowled 17 overs during the first Test without playing any prior Shield cricket, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his availability for the upcoming match.
Australia’s squad for the second Test against India in Adelaide includes: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Beau Webster.