Australia has included Beau Webster, an uncapped all-rounder, in their squad as cover for Mitchell Marsh ahead of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, which begins on December 6 at Adelaide Oval. Webster’s selection follows a string of strong performances in domestic red-ball cricket, including his impressive showing in the recent two-match series against India A. In that series, he was the second-highest run-scorer for Australia A, amassing 145 runs at an average of 72.50, including a half-century. Webster also contributed with the ball, claiming seven wickets at an average under 20.
This marks Webster’s first international call-up, and the 30-year-old is thrilled by the opportunity. He expressed his pride at being selected, especially after his performances in the Australia A tour.
“To get a few runs and wickets (for Australia A) was pleasing against a strong Indian side,” Webster said. “Any time you are playing ‘A’ cricket, it is one step below Test level, so it does hold you in good stead. To get the call from ‘Bails’ (selection chair George Bailey) after the New South Wales game was a really proud moment, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Webster will provide extra cover for Australia’s middle order, with a particularly tight schedule between the second Test in Adelaide and the third Test at the Gabba. His versatility as both a batter and a bowler offers Australia added depth, especially in the wake of Marsh’s limited bowling workloads this year due to injury concerns. Marsh bowled 17 overs in the Perth Test, his most in a Test match since the 2019 Oval Test against England, making Webster’s inclusion an important backup.
With 93 first-class matches under his belt, Webster is an experienced campaigner. He has scored 5,297 runs at an average of 37.83, including 12 centuries, and has taken 148 wickets at an average of 37.39, showcasing his all-round skills. This year alone, he has accumulated 1,121 runs in 15 matches at an average of 53.38, including three centuries and five fifties, with a career-best score of 167*.
Australia will be hoping for a strong performance in the second Test after suffering a heavy defeat in the first Test in Perth, where they were beaten by a record 295-run margin by India. The second Test at Adelaide Oval will be crucial for both teams, as they look to gain the upper hand in the series.
Australia squad for second Test: 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.