Australia add Beau Webster to Test squad amid Marsh fitness issues

Australia have called in Beau Webster to their squad ahead of the next Border Gavaskar test match in Adelaide amid fitness issues for all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Webster earned his maiden international call-up despite head coach Andrew McDonald claiming that the hosts would go with an unchanged 13-man squad for the second test that commences on December 6. 

Marsh picked up an injury during Australia’s 295-run defeat in the opening match in Perth. In that game, the lanky all-rounder bowled 17 overs-the most he’s bowled in a test match in three years. McDonald later admitted that Marsh didn’t have the essential workloads coming into the series following the team’s first-choice fourth pacer, Cameron Green, was ruled out due to a back stress fracture. 

March could still keep his place in the playing XI for the second test but play a pure batter, but it would mean increased bowling loads for the quicks specifically in the context of the third test in Brisbane that starts four days after the scheduled end of the Adelaide test. 

Meanwhile, Webster’s addition to the squad is on the back of his excellent performances in first-class cricket over the last two seasons. After Sir Garfield Sobers, he became only the second player in Sheffield Shield history last year to score 900+ runs and take 30 wickets in a season. He has already amassed 448 runs at an impressive average of 56 along with 16 wickets in first-class cricket this season. This includes unbeaten knocks of 61 and 46 and bowling figures of 3/19 and 3/49 against India A side this month. 

“To get a few runs and wickets (for Australia A) was pleasing against a strong Indian side," Webster said. "Any time you're playing 'A' cricket, it's one step below Test level, so it does hold you in good stead. To get the call from 'Bails' (selector George Bailey) at the end of the NSW game was a really proud moment and I can't wait to get stuck in.

"There's a tight turnaround between the Adelaide and Gabba Test so I think (I'm there) just to have some cover there for that middle-order role, whichever way they go."

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