Border Gavaskar Trophy: Marsh faces the axe as Australia call up Beau Webster

A win in the Boxing Day Test has not stopped Australia in their tracks of presenting their best side to the visitors. The last remaining Test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy is the only contest standing between the Kangaroos and their decade-long wait to reclaim the trophy. Thus, the home team is resolute in their plans to play all their cards right in order to claim the glory back, while also setting up the WTC Final against South Africa. India, on the other hand, is grappling with much more than just the prospect of losing the Border Gavaskar Trophy after ten years. For Australia, an obvious step has emerged, as the selection has favored Beau Webster over the struggling Mitchell Marsh for the Sydney Test.

Border Gavaskar Trophy: Mitchell Marsh makes way for Beau Webster in the Australia Playing XI for Sydney Test

Australia announced the playing XI for the final fixture of the five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy a day before the match kicks off in Sydney. A much-anticipated move on the part of the Kangaroos materialized as the home team axed all-rounder Mitchell Marsh from the combination. Now, the hosts are set to hand another debut in this edition of the series, giving the cap to Beau Webster. When Webster takes the field in Sydney, he will be the third debutant in the BGT for Australia, following opener Nathan McSweeney and the young sensation Sam Konstas. The shuffle comes in the wake of consistently disappointing performances by Mitchell Marsh across the four Tests played so far.

Ahead of the series, the pace all-rounder was touted as the mainstay in the bowling attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Moreover, the injury setback of Cameron Green significantly amplified Marsh’s importance. However, four matches into the series, Marsh has bowled just 33 overs across the BGT. Even when Australia saw Josh Hazlewood exit the combination due to his side strain, Marsh’s responsibility with the ball remained minimal, lacking impact. In the 33 overs he has bowled so far, Marsh has managed to pick just three wickets against the visibly troubled batting line-up of India.

The story remains equally underwhelming on the batting front for Marsh in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The batter has managed only 73 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.42 in the series. Moreover, his struggles with the bat include a golden duck against the Indian pace attack spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah. Now, with only one last Test remaining, Australia seems in no mood to take any chances, thus paving the way for Beau Webster to replace Marsh in the playing XI for the Sydney Test.

Beau Webster was added to the Australian squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy ahead of the Adelaide Test. After Marsh appeared unable to pull the hard yards in the opening Test at Perth, Australia called up the 31-year-old as a backup. However, Marsh regained fitness in no time, playing the subsequent Tests, though with little to no impact. Webster, on the other hand, impressed at the Sheffield Shield, establishing himself as a reliable prospect. The 31-year-old boasts the unique ability to swing the ball and transition to off-spin as well. With their move proving right with the selection of Sam Konstas, Australia has now placed their faith in Webster. Currently, Australia leads the series 2-1 after their commanding win in the Boxing Day Test.

Regarding Marsh’s exclusion, the Australian captain Pat Cummins didn’t mince words as he acknowledged the all-rounder’s dismal contributions over the series. While Cummins highlighted Marsh’s capabilities, the skipper noted that the Sydney Test provides a seamless opportunity for Webster to step in.

“Mitchy obviously hasn't quite got the runs or wickets he would have liked this series and felt like it was time for a freshen up,” Cummins said. “Beau's been with the squad and been great. It's a shame for Mitchy because we know how much he brings to the team, but we feel like now is a good time for Beau to get a chance,” he added.

Australia Playing XI for Sydney Test:

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