Australia has made a big change for the final Test against India at the SCG, dropping all-rounder Mitch Marsh and handing Tasmanian Beau Webster his first Test cap. Meanwhile, fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been cleared to play despite dealing with rib soreness during the fourth Test in Melbourne.
Starc, 34, underwent scans earlier this week but was given the green light to join the bowling attack alongside captain Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon. The inclusion of Webster adds flexibility to the team as he can bowl both pace and spin.
Marsh’s recent performances have been underwhelming. He bowled just 13 overs in the last three Tests without taking a wicket, and his batting has also struggled, with scores of 9, 5, 4, 2, and 0 in his last five innings. While he dealt with back issues earlier in the series, team management has denied that fitness played a role in his omission.
Cummins explained the decision on Thursday:
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“Unfortunately, Mitch Marsh hasn’t delivered with the runs or wickets this series. We thought it was the right time to bring in someone fresh, and Beau has been fantastic. It’s tough for Mitch, but it’s a great opportunity for Beau to show what he can do.”
Webster, 31, has been in superb form in domestic cricket. Since Mitch Marsh 2022, he’s averaged 57.1 with the bat in first-class cricket and taken 81 wickets at an average of 31.7. He made headlines last year by becoming the first player since the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers to score 900 runs and take 30 wickets in a Sheffield Shield season.
This marks the second consecutive Test where Australia has introduced a debutant, following Sam Konstas’ successful Boxing Day debut.
Mitch Marsh, who may have played his last Test, showed grace in accepting the decision. According to Cummins, Marsh was supportive of Webster, saying, “I can’t wait to see Beau out there.”
Cummins added, “Here in Australia, when a batter gets dropped, it’s often seen as a big deal. But we focus on having a strong squad of players we can rely on at different times.”
Australia will reclaim the Border-Gavaskar trophy for the first time since 2014-15 with a win or draw at the SCG. If India wins, the series will be tied 2-2, allowing them to retain the trophy for a record fifth consecutive time.
A victory would also secure Australia’s spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the second year in a row, following their win over India in 2023. South Africa has already booked their place in the 2025 final after a dramatic win against Pakistan.
