IND vs AUS: Australia Likely to Call Up Uncapped Beau Webster as Cover for Marsh in Adelaide Test

Australia is considering adding uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster as a replacement for the injured Mitchell Marsh ahead of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to begin on December 6 at Adelaide Oval. According to a report by Wisden citing NewsCorp, Webster is being eyed as cover for Marsh, who might miss the match due to fitness concerns.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins hinted at Marsh’s fitness issues after the first Test in Perth. “He has been battling some niggles since the UK tour. He was a little sore towards the end of the Test. We’ll monitor him over the next 10 days to see if he’s ready for the next match,” Cummins said. Ideally, Marsh would contribute as a bowler, but his batting remains the primary focus for his inclusion.

Beau Webster, a Tasmanian all-rounder, has impressed with his consistency in domestic cricket. In 93 first-class matches, Webster has scored 5,297 runs at an average of 37.83, including 12 centuries. With the ball, he has taken 148 wickets at an average of 37.39, showcasing his ability to bowl both off-spin and pace.

During the recent Australia-India A series, Webster contributed with both bat and ball, scoring 145 runs in four innings with a fifty and taking seven wickets, including two three-wicket hauls. In his latest Sheffield Shield outing, he scored 61 and 49 while batting at number six and claimed five wickets, demonstrating his adaptability as a lower-order aggressor and middle-overs bowler.

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald suggested that the same 13 players from the Perth Test would be retained for the day-night pink-ball match in Adelaide. However, Webster could slot in as a ready replacement if Marsh, who bowled 10 overs in Perth for the first time in 16 innings, is deemed unfit.

Australia is trailing 0-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a crushing 295-run defeat in the opening Test.