Border-Gavaskar Trophy second Test: Beau Webster added to Australian squad

While the Australian team-management have hinted at sticking with the same unit, Marsh’s fitness concern may force a change.

Beau Webster has been added to the Australia squad for the second Test against India at Adelaide from December 6.

The all-rounder from Tasmania, has been drafted in as cover for Mitchell Marsh, who was injured during the first Test at Perth which the host lost by 295 runs.

While the Australian team-management have hinted at sticking with the same unit, Marsh’s fitness concern may force a change.

Webster, also a right-hand pace all-rounder like Marsh, has been the stand out performer in the Sheffield Shield over the past two years. The 30-year-old has collected 1788 runs including five hundreds and nine fifties.

He also impressed in the A series against India earlier this month, becoming the the second highest run-getter for Australia A behind compatriot Nathan McSweeney, collecting 145 runs across four innings at an impressive average of 72.50.

With the ball, he became the joint-leading wicket-taker alongside Brendan Doggett both taking seven scalps each.

“To get a few runs and wickets (for Australia A) was pleasing against a strong Indian side,” Webster was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au ahead of the announcement on Thursday.

“Any time you’re playing ‘A’ cricket, it’s the one step below Test level, so it does hold you in good stead. To get the call from ‘‘Bails’‘ (men’s selection chair George Bailey) at the end of the NSW game was a really proud moment and I can’t wait to get stuck in.” Webster will join the Australian squad in Adelaide next week.

“There’s a tight turnaround between the Adelaide and Gabba Test so I think (I’m there) just to have some cover there for that middle-order role, whichever way they go,” Webster added.

(With inputs from PTI)

Published - November 28, 2024 03:05 pm IST