Beau Webster Debuts for Australia in 5th Test Against India
Australia will debut a player in the fifth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Beau Webster replaces Mitchell Marsh in the XI. The much-anticipated match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starts on January 3, 2025. Australia leads the series 2-1 and seeks their first win in India in over a decade.
Why Mitchell Marsh Was Dropped
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has struggled in the series. He has only 73 runs with the bat and has not impacted with the ball. The selectors saw a chance to bring in the in-form Webster, who has excelled in domestic cricket.
On the change, Australian captain Pat Cummins said Marsh is key to the team in shorter formats. He assured fans this is not the end of Marsh’s Test career. However, Cummins also said that Webster’s inclusion strengthens the side for the high-stakes final Test.
Spotlight on Beau Webster
The inclusion of Beau Jacob Webster is a significant moment for Australian cricket. Webster is versatile. He bats right-handed and can bowl off-spin and medium pace. He is a true all-rounder.
Domestic Cricket Achievements
Webster has excelled in domestic cricket, especially in the 2023-24 Sheffield Shield season. He became just the second player in history to score over 900 runs and take 30 wickets in a single season. Webster has played first-class cricket for Tasmania. He has also played for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League. He has consistently delivered under pressure.
First-Class Career Stats
- Matches: 93
- Runs Scored: 5,297
- Batting Average: 37.83
- Centuries/Half-Centuries: 12/24
- Wickets Taken: 148
- Bowling Average: 37.39
- Best Bowling Figures: 6/100
Webster’s skills make him a thrilling addition to Australia’s Test squad for this match. It is crucial.
Australia’s Playing XI for the 5th Test
With Webster as the only change, Australia’s confirmed playing XI for the SCG Test is:
- Sam Konstas
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
Beau Webster’s debut adds a new element to Australia’s lineup as they seek to win the series against India. Webster’s strong record and versatility make him a key asset for the final Test. As the SCG hosts this high-stakes match, all will watch Webster. It’s his chance to perform on the international stage.
Australia leads the series 2-1. A win at the SCG would secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. It would also boost their ranking in the World Test Championship 2025.
