Beau Webster Replaces Mitch Marsh For 5th Test Vs India

Australia is set to play Beau Webster for his maiden test against India in the New Year's test set at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This change comes at the expense of Mitch Marsh who was axed from the squad following poor returns in the series so far. Australia, who are currently leading the series 2-1 after their win at Melbourne have made just one change in their lineup with Mitchell Starc getting cleared as 'Fit' after he complained of Rib Soreness during the boxing day test.

Marsh has had dwindling returns in this series so far with just 73 runs in 7 innings, of which 5 innings ended without even entering the double digits. On the bowling front, Marsh has bowled just 33 overs across 4 games picking up just 3 wickets.

Pat Cummins On Mitchell Marsh

. "Mitch obviously hasn't had a great series both with the bat and with the ball, so, we thought that there would be some freshness in the squad & Beau has been doing some great things"

"For someone like Mitchy, it's a big shame as we all know what value he brings to the table, but we thought of having a new face for the last game."

Meanwhile, Tasmanian all-rounder Webster has averaged 57.1 in first-class cricket since March 2022, while also picking up 81 wickets at 31.7. This year Webster became the second player after West Indies Cricket legend Sir Gary Sobers to score 900 runs & pick 30 wickets in the Sheffield Shield season. Webster also scored an unbeaten half-century for Australia A against India A in the first match at Mackay, while he went on to pick up 3 wickets in the second match.

Cummins On Webster

"Really excited for Webster, that's the first thing (Marsh) said." I'm also excited to see the youngster go well, Cummins Said " It's quite a big thing here in Australia when a batter or a big player misses out the way Andrew (McDonald), Selectors & myself love bringing in new players into national fold whom we can call-up when needed"

Australia XI for the fifth Test: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland