Beau Webster Set to Step in for Mitchell Marsh in the 5th Test Against India

Starting January 3, 2025, the Sydney Cricket Ground is going to be extremely busy because Australia is getting ready to face off against India in the fifth and vitally key test. The team is bringing in a new man, Beau Webster, for his first test game ever, and he's taking over for Mitchell Marsh. This change is very big news.

Since Australia is ahead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with a 2-1 lead, they're excited and ready to snatch their first series win in India in more than ten years.

“Beau’s story is a great one of resilience… I think he’ll have the backing of an entire state over the next five days”

Terrific to chat with some of those closest to Beau Webster ahead of his Test debut tomorrow.@TheMercurySport

STORY ➡️ https://t.co/l0QcRp9yPT pic.twitter.com/yflVqciAal

— Ryan Rosendale (@RosendaleRyan) January 2, 2025

Why Mitchell Marsh Is Out

The selectors saw that Mitchell Marsh wasn't doing too well in the series, only scoring 73 runs and not doing much with his bowling. They think this is a good opportunity for Beau Webster to step in and display his abilities at the international level.

Pat Cummins, our captain, said Mitch Marsh is still vitally important for the team, especially when we are discussing the short games but he also mentioned that adding Webster to the team will make things better. And he made sure everyone knew this is not farewell for Marsh in test cricket at all.

ALSO READ:Pat Cummins Reveals Australia’s Strategy to Tackle Jasprit Bumrah in Sydney Test

Spotlight on Beau Webster

Beau Jacob Webster has been making waves in domestic cricket, which earned him this debut. His versatility is a huge asset, as he bats right-handed and can bowl both off-spin and medium pace.

Domestic Career Highlights

Webster achieved it in the 2023-24 Sheffield Shield season, making him the second individual ever to hit more than 900 runs and take 30 wickets in just one season. Playing for Tasmania in the local games, he's also been doing really good for the Melbourne Stars in the Bash league.

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 all-around skills and impressive form make him a perfect fit for this high-pressure match against India.

Australia's Squad for the 5th Test

Most of the squad remains unchanged, with Webster being the only newcomer. The confirmed playing XI is:

Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland