NEW DELHI: All-rounder Beau Webster has joined Australia’s Test squad for the second Test against India in Adelaide, starting December 6. He’s been called up as cover for Mitch Marsh, who experienced soreness after the first Test in Perth.
Australia officially confirmed a 14-member squad for the day-night Test in Adelaide on Thursday.
“To get the call from ‘Bails’ (George Bailey) at the end of the NSW game was a really proud moment, and I can’t wait to get stuck in,” Webster shared his excitement.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Webster views his role as providing middle-order support, regardless of the team’s final composition.
“I think I’m there just to have some cover for that middle-order role, whichever way they go,” Webster added.
Webster’s selection is a result of his outstanding Sheffield Shield form. Last season, he achieved the rare double of over 900 runs and 30 wickets, a feat previously accomplished only by Sir Garry Sobers.
His strong form has continued this summer, amassing 448 runs at an average of 56 and claiming 16 wickets in first-class cricket. He has also delivered noteworthy performances for Australia A against India A ahead of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
There’s uncertainty surrounding Marsh’s fitness. He bowled the most overs he has in three years during the Perth Test, which Australia lost by 295 runs.
Despite his limited preparation, Marsh’s contribution of 2-12 in the first innings earned praise from coach Andrew McDonald. McDonald also highlighted the challenges of managing Marsh’s workload.
Australia has additional batting cover with Josh Inglis available in the squad. Webster’s seam-bowling abilities provide further squad depth.
Webster attributes his career transformation to his switch to seam bowling four years ago. “It’s probably something I wish I had done a lot earlier,” Webster admitted.
Australia are heading to Adelaide earlier than initially planned. This will allow the team to acclimatize to the pink-ball conditions for the second Test.
The hosts are aiming to level the series at 1-1 after their loss in Perth. They are looking to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after almost a decade.
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Australia squad for second Test against India
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
