Beau Webster set for Test debut in Sydney in place of Mitchell Marsh

Beau Webster finally gets his opportunity under the sun, replacing Mitchell Marsh for the Sydney Test, which begins on January 3, 2025. Marsh was finally dropped from the setup, after a string of poor displays from the all-rounder during the series. 

Webster has played in 93 First-Class games and has 5297 runs and 148 wickets in those matches. At 31, Webster is in the mould of Marsh himself, who is more of a batter and a pacer who can roll his arm over consistently, which Marsh was unable to do in the first four games. 

The Tasmanian has managed to bring the door down for an Australia Test spot with more than 900 runs (938 at an average of 58.62) and 30 wickets in one season of Sheffield Shield.

Sir Garfield Sobers of the West Indies has been the only player in Shield's history to score more than 900 runs and take more than 30 wickets in a single season. Thus, it is not surprising that Webster was the first choice to replace Marsh as soon as the opportunity arrived. 

"Mitchy hasn't quite got the runs, or perhaps the wickets that he would have liked this series. So we felt like it was time for a freshening up, and Beau's been with the squad. He's been great. 

So it's a shame for Mitchy because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it's a good week for Beau to get a chance,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said in the pre-match press conference. 

Marsh scored just 73 runs at 10.42 in the first four games. With the ball, too, the Western Australian bowled only 33 overs and took three wickets for 139 runs in the series.

There were no other changes in the Australian XI for the final Test, as Mitchell Starc managed to keep his place in the side even after a bit of an injury scare. 

Australia XI for the fifth Test: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland