BGT 2024-25: Beau Webster has been added to Australia's squad for the second Test against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 as a backup for allrounder Mitrchell Marsh. Mitch Marsh, whose career has been marred by injuries, bowled 17 overs during Australia’s historic series-opening loss to India in Perth, raising concerns about his fitness. This development brings Tasmanian allrounder Beau Webster closer to a potential Test debut.
After experiencing soreness following Australia's 295-run loss in Perth, Marsh was initially expected to stay in the unchanged 13-man squad for Adelaide. However, concerns over his fitness have resulted in Webster's inclusion.
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Beau Webster Added To AUS Squad Following Impressive Performances
30-year-old Webster, with 5,297 runs and 148 wickets from 93 First-Class matches, showcased his all-round skills during the two unofficial Tests between India A and Australia A earlier this month. In the latest round of Sheffield Shield matches, he scored 61 and 49 against New South Wales, while also taking five wickets, including two in a single over to help the team secure the season’s first victory.
Following Australia's heavy defeat in the Perth Test, coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the same 13 players would be part of the squad for Adelaide. However, captain Pat Cummins had previously expressed concerns over Marsh, who bowled 17 overs in the match—the most he had bowled in three years.
Marsh was impressive with the ball in the first innings of the IND vs AUS 1st Test as he recorded figures of 2-12 in 5 overs but was but was below-average in the second innings, where he finished with figures of 1-65 in 12 overs. With the bat, he scored six runs in the first innings and a good-looking 47 off 67 balls, all in vain as Australia lost by 295 runs.
India will play Australia in the second IND vs AUS Test at Adelaide from December 6. This will be a day-night fixture and will be played with a pink ball.
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