3 reasons why Australia must play Beau Webster in 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test in Adelaide
All-rounder Beau Webster, 30, has been included in Australia's squad for the second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 following all-rounder Mitchell Marsh's injury scare.
The hosts suffered a colossal 295-run defeat in the opening Test at Perth and will be itching to bounce back at Adelaide, where the second Test begins on December 6.
Beau Webster has put up some incredible performances in the domestic circuit in recent times, knocking on the door for an international call-up. For the 30-year-old all-rounder, this is his maiden international call-up and could be the changing point of his career as well.
While he has been included in the squad for the second Test, Australia might as well consider playing him in their XI at Adelaide, which could benefit the hosts in many ways, adding to the strength that they would need to stage a comeback and level the five-Test series.
On that note, here are three reasons why Australia must play Beau Webster in the 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test in Adelaide.
#3 Exceptional recent form and domestic performance
Uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster has been in top form recently. In the two four-day matches against India A, he scored 145 runs from four innings that also included an unbeaten 61 and 46. He also picked up seven wickets in these two games at an impressive average of 19.57.
In his most recent first-class game against New South Wales for Tasmania, he scored 61 and 49 in two innings, while he also grabbed five wickets. The all-rounder emerged as the top run-getter in the Sheffield Shield last summer with 938 runs at an average of 58.62.
In addition, Webster also scored 448 runs at an average of 56 across all first-class cricket this season. He also picked up 30 wickets with the ball. Overall, he has played 93 first-class games and has impressive numbers, scoring 5297 runs and grabbing 148 wickets.
#2 Beau Webster can be the replacement as the fifth bowler
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is once again surrounded by fitness concerns, as has been the case for most part of his career. In the first Test at Perth, Marsh bowled 17 overs in total, which took a toll on his body.
With his fitness and injury concerns looming once again, it is possible that Marsh could play the second Test as a pure batter if he does not miss out on the entire game. With the possibility of Marsh playing as just a batter, the load would then increase on the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.
However, Beau Webster's inclusion could not only reduce the responsibility but also bolster their attack. Along with Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, and Nathan Lyon, Webster could play as the fifth bowler in the team.
#1 Webster can offset Cameron Green's absence in the side
Australia suffered a heavy blow when Cameron Green was ruled out of the BGT 2024-25 series. As a result, Mitchell Marsh, who was not the first-choice all-rounder, had to be included in the XI for the opening Test.
While Beau Webster started as an off-spinner, he has turned himself into an effective medium pacer and his domestic numbers do all the talking as well. Webster is the kind of bowler, who, with his medium pace, can hit the deck hard, a skill required in Australian conditions.
With Green being a similar bowler who hits the deck and bowls on those hard lengths, Webster can offset the absence of Green, that seems to have hit Australia hard. The 30-year-old can fulfill what the hosts are missing with Green's absence in the side.