Australia have added uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster to their squad for the second Test against India as injury cover for Mitchell Marsh.
Marsh was hurt after bowling 17 overs in Australia’s crushing 295-run loss to India in Perth and could now be a doubt for the December 6 afternoon in Adelaide.
Webster, 30, was named Player of the Year for the 2023/24 Sheffield Shield after averaging 58.62 for Tasmania in 938 runs, including three hundred and six fifties.
In the current Sheffield Shield campaign, the right-hander has hit a ton and a half-century at an average of 50.50 with six knocks, while he also picked up five wickets in his last game against New South Wales, including two in an over.
Webster has impressed with bat and ball for Australia A in two matches against India ahead of the current Test series, besting 61 not out in Mackay and a six-wicket haul in Melbourne.
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The all-rounder, who previously played sports cricket for Essex and Gloucestershire, used to be a non-spinner but is now mainly a medium pace bowler.
“Tasmania” captain Jordan Silk recently said of Webster. “He is a special player at the moment.
“Anytime we’re in trouble, I feel like I can throw him the ball and he seems to be able to create something. Anytime we’re in trouble with the bat, he can get us out subtract from it.
“He essentially plays as our third man and top six, which is a very nice luxury to have around.
“He would probably say it was one of the best career moves of all time to give up his dirty game and go for seam bowling because now it looks like it could open a lot more doors for him.”
Australia’s squad for the second Test against India. Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschran, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Beau Webster
