New Delhi: After a crushing defeat in Perth, Australia is desperately looking to get back to business. The Aussies don’t want to leave any screws loose for the second Test as they have announced the squad for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Beau Webster, the Tasmanian all-rounder, has been included in the squad amid injury concerns surrounding Mitchell Marsh. Marsh pulled up sore in the first Test match against India at Optus Stadium, Perth.
Mitchell Marsh wasn’t the first choice for Australia, but Cameron Green’s injury forced the Aussies to make last-minute changes. He bowled 17 overs at full capacity in Perth, the most overs he has bowled in the last three years. The extra effort and stress on the body didn’t go well for the big guy. However, Mitchell Marsh’s presence in the squad boosts the batting order, but including him solely for batting might increase the workload on the other three quicks, and the Aussies might not want their player to exhaust himself in the middle of the series.
The gap between the second and third Tests is just four days, which increases the chances of the Tasmanian making his test debut for Australia, replacing Mitchell Marsh.
Webster has been outstanding in first-class cricket over the past two seasons. Last season, he became the second player in Sheffield Shield history, after Sir Garfield Sobers, to score over 900 runs and take 30 wickets. This season, he has continued to impress, amassing 448 runs and 16 wickets. Webster was also part of the Australia A squad that faced India A, playing key knocks of 61* and 48* while also taking two three-wicket hauls across two Tests.
“To get a few runs and wickets (for Australia A) was pleasing against a strong Indian side,” Webster said. “Any time you’re playing ‘A’ cricket, it’s one step below Test level, so it does hold you in good stead. To get the call from ‘Bails’ (selector George Bailey) at the end of the NSW game was a really proud moment and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
“There’s a tight turnaround between the Adelaide and Gabba Test so I think (I’m there) just to have some cover there for that middle-order role, whichever way they go.”
Meanwhile, Australia will look to bounce back in the series after suffering a heavy 295-run defeat in Perth. The loss was a huge blow, as they were strong favourites going into the match. The Perth Test served as a reality check, showing that India won’t be an easy opponent, contrary to the expectations following Australia’s defeat to New Zealand at home.
Australia squad for the second Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
