Time's up for Mitchell Marsh in the Border Gavaskar Trophy?

A simple look at the scoreline of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which stands at 1-1 after three Tests, wouldn’t explain the nuances seamlessly. On the surface, India and Australia appear evenly matched as the five-match series hangs in the balance down under. However, a deeper dive into the events of the three completed Tests reveals that Australia has consistently curbed the visitors with remarkable century knocks. India began with a commanding 295-run victory in Perth. Yet, that tale is now history, as Australia responded with a 10-wicket win in the Adelaide Test and a strong showing in the Gabba Test, where rain forced a draw. Now, as the Boxing Day Test nears its conclusion, Australia once again seems to be in a favorable position, unlike India, who face an uphill battle despite the splendid performances of pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

The Border Gavaskar Trophy has showcased notable performances from both sides. For India, Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as a silver lining in a batting order that has consistently faltered against the Australian attack. For Australia, the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, and Steve Smith have reclaimed their form during the five-match series. Furthermore, the home team has bolstered its lineup with the addition of Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old opener who replaced Nathan McSweeney in the squad ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

Mark Waugh wants Beau Webster to replace Mitchell Marsh in the last Border Gavaskar Trophy Test

In the ongoing fourth Test at the MCG, Australia has asserted dominance again, putting up an impressive 474 runs in their first innings. Steve Smith continued his fine form, smashing his second century of the series with a commanding 140 off 197 balls, featuring 13 fours and three sixes. Debutant Sam Konstas, just 19 years old, gave the Aussies a solid start by hammering 60 off 65 deliveries. Usman Khawaja appeared to gel well with his new opening partner, contributing a composed 57 off 121 balls. Marnus Labuschagne also chipped in with a steady 72 off 145 deliveries, further solidifying Australia’s innings.

However, not everything has gone smoothly for the home side. There remains a key prospect who is yet to make a significant impact for the side. Four matches into the BGT and Mitchell Marsh is yet to show up either with the bat or the ball in the series. On Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test, Marsh noted a four ball duck against Jasprit Bumrah, adding to his dismal series tally of 73 runs in seven innings at a bleak average of 10.42. His highest score of 47 came in the first Test in Perth, while his other contributions read 6, 9, 5, 2, 4, and 0. Marsh’s bowling hasn’t been much better. After taking 3/77 from 17 overs in Perth, he has bowled just 13 overs since then without claiming a single wicket

Former Australian cricketer, Mark Waugh, has urged the Australian selectors to replace Marsh with Beau Webster. Webster was added to the Australia squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy ahead of the second Test as Marsh's fitness remained in doubt. However, Marsh managed to overcome his discomfort and has played in all the matches since.

Beau Webster, currently waiting on the bench, possesses the rare ability to both spin and swing the ball, a skill last seen in the Australian legend Andrew Symonds. The 31-year-old Tasmanian all-rounder, who also represents the Melbourne Stars, is known for his versatility, being capable of bowling both right-arm medium pace and off-spin. Now, Waugh believes Webster’s inclusion could bring a fresh dynamic to the side as Australia looks to strengthen its squad.

"There will be (a debate), depending on the conditions and the balance of the team. Beau Webster’s in the squad, (Marsh has made) no runs in this game,” he said. “In theory, you could bat Alex Carey at six, have Beau Webster at seven, that could be an option as well. (Webster) is a batting all-rounder, but he will bowl more overs, plus he can bowl offspin and seam. That will be a discussion point depending on what happens in the next two days here, the fitness of Mitchell Starc for example,” he added.