BGT 2024-25: Mitchell Marsh dropped from Sydney test, uncapped Tasmania all-rounder to make debut

Mitchell Marsh managed just 73 runs across seven innings in the BGT 2024-25.

Australia have dropped Western Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh ahead of the fifth BGT 2024-25 test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting on Friday.

Known for taking on the bowlers with aggression, Marsh has struggled in the series, managing only 73 runs across seven innings. The 33-year-old began the five-match series with a promising 47-run knock in the second innings at Perth but failed to put up another score of note as the series progressed.

Additionally, his bowling workload has been a topic of discussion throughout the series, with the medium pacer managing just three wickets at an average of 46.33.

Beau Webster to replace Mitchell Marsh at the SCG

Speaking to the media before the Sydney test, Australian captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Tasmania all-rounder Beau Webster would replace Marsh in the final test of the series. Cummins admitted that Marsh had struggled to contribute with both runs and wickets in the series, and the management felt it was the right time to give Webster a chance.

Cummins said, “Mitchy, obviously 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.“

When asked if Marsh needed to improve his bowling to earn a recall, Cummins stated that his primary role in the team is as a batter.

He continued, “Not necessarily, we’ve spoken about it a lot. He was in the side this summer for being a top six batter. So that’s generally a guiding principle when you pick the top order, [although] not always. I think when he’s at his best, he gets in the side on his batting alone and his bowling is a bonus.“

Last season, Webster was the highest scorer in the Sheffield Shield with 938 runs at 58 and took 30 wickets at 29. He became only the second player in the history of Sheffield Shield to do a double of 900 runs and 30 wickets in a single season, after Sir Garfield Sobers in 1963-64.

In four matches this season, Webster has scored 303 runs at 50, with one century and a fifty, and has snared nine wickets at 37.

Australia’s playing XI for Sydney test:

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

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