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Cricket Australia on Thursday, January 2 announced their playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. With the hosts, Australia already leading the series after a comprehensive 184-run win against India in Melbourne earlier this week, they will eye to end their BGT title drought of 10 years as they take on India in Sydney, starting January 3.
The Australian cricket team has taken a bold move as they dropped all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. In his place, they have handed Beau Webster his Test debut. The decision was confirmed by Aussie skipper Pat Cummins, during the pre-match press conefernce in Sydney on Thursday, January 2.
Mitchell Marsh dropped; Beau Webster handed Test debut
While Marsh will sit out for the final Test after failing to perform with the bat as well as the ball in the four Tests so far in the series, Beau Webster will make his Test debut. Across the four Tests, Marsh has managed to get just 73 runs at an average of 10.42. His notable contribution in the series of 47 runs came during Australia’s 295-run defeat in the Perth Test. With the ball, Marsh has bowled 33 overs across seven innings and taken only three wickets.
"Mitchy (Marsh), 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 (Webster) has 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," Pat Cummins said at the pre-match press conference.
Moreover, veteran pacer Mitchell Starc, despite a rib and back issue, has been declared fit to play the final Test. Speaking on Beau Webster’s addition in the XI, Cummins said, "I think it's always nice to have kind of a fifth bowler. He bowls quite a lot for Tasmania. So if we need to call on that we can. I think firstly, if you're going to bat six, you're picked for your batting, which I think he's shown in the Shield over the last couple years, when he takes the game on he's really changed some games for Tasmania. But I'll sit down and work that out today. “
Australia Playing XI for Sydney Test
Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
