BGT 2024-25: Australia hand all-rounder Beau Webster maiden test call-up ahead of 2nd test in Adelaide

Beau Webster plays for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield.

Australia have handed Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster his maiden test call-up as a cover for Mitch Marsh ahead of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 test.

Webster’s selection comes after Marsh pulled up sore in Australia’s heavy 295-run defeat in the first test at Perth. Webster has been in excellent form in the Sheffield Shield. The 30-year-old has been among the most consistent players in the domestic circuit over the last 18 months.

Beau Webster’s performance last summer saw him become only the second cricketer after legendary Sir Garry Sobers to score 900 hundred runs and claim 30 wickets in a single Sheffield Shield season.

Previously bowling off-spin, Webster added medium pace to his arsenal just four years ago. Webster will add much needed depth to the Australian squad before the pink ball test in Adelaide.

Webster on his maiden test call-up

Reflecting on his inclusion in the test squad, Webster acknowledged that he will be ready to play any role in the Australian lineup.

He said, “There’s a tight turnaround between the Adelaide and Gabba Test, so I think I’m here to provide cover for that middle-order role, whichever way they decide to go.”

Despite playing primarily as No.6 or 7 batter in Shield cricket, Webster conveyed that he will be ready to play in the top-order if required.

He continued, “I’ve played a lot of cricket at the top of the order early in my career, so I’m comfortable batting anywhere from four down. The top three might be a stretch, but I can absolutely contribute in the middle order and chip in with overs if needed.”

Webster attributed his success to his decision to develop as a pace bowler during the COVID-19 years. “It’s probably something I should’ve started earlier, but the work with Adam Griffith and focused training sessions has changed my career,” he concluded.

Australia squad for 2nd test vs India:

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

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