Australia drop struggling all-rounder, Mitchell Starc passed fit for Sydney Test

Australia dropped all-rounder Mitchell Marsh for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.

Captain Pat Cummins, speaking to the press on the eve of the Test match in Sydney, confirmed the change in the team with Tasmania all-rounder Beau Webster replacing the senior all-rounder.

Mitchell Marsh struggled to put bat to ball in the series, managing just 73 runs in four Tests at an average of 10.42 per innings. Cummins said the selectors made the call to drop the out-of-form all-rounder, who could not chip in consistently with the ball too.

Meanwhile, Cummins also confirmed that Mitchell Starc, who was struggling with an upper-body problem in Melbourne, was passed fit to play the New Year’s Test, starting January 3. Starc braved pain and bowled in the second innings of the Melbourne Test, sending down 16 overs without a dip in pace.

Cummins said Starc was never going to miss the final Test, highlighting the left-arm pacer’s keenness to be in the mix in the series decider. Australia have not shied away from changing a winning combination as they hand an opportunity to Webster, who has been making waves in the domestic circuit.

“Mitchy (Marsh) obviously hasn’t quite got the runs, and perhaps wickets this series. So we felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau’s been great,” Cummins said. “It’s a shame for Mitchy, because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it’s a good week for Beau to get a chance,” he added.

AUSTRALIA XI FOR NEW YEAR’S TEST IN SYDNEY
Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

WHO IS BEAU WEBSTER?
Webster has been in exceptional form in domestic cricket, particularly in the Sheffield Shield. He was the highest scorer in the Shield last season with 938 runs, showcasing his prowess with the bat.

In addition to his batting achievements, Webster has demonstrated his bowling capabilities. In a recent one-day match against Western Australia, he delivered a remarkable performance, taking six wickets for 17 runs.

Webster’s consistent all-round performances have earned him recognition and a spot in the national team. His selection is seen as a strategic move to bolster Australia’s lineup as they aim to clinch their first series win over India in a decade.