Australia made a significant change to their lineup ahead of the fifth and final Test against India in Sydney, dropping all-rounder Mitch Marsh in favour of debutant Beau Webster. Marsh’s underwhelming performances with both bat and ball throughout the series sealed his fate. Despite his experience, the 33-year-old struggled to make an impact, scoring limited runs and failing to deliver with the ball. Australian skipper Pat Cummins acknowledged Marsh’s contributions over the years but stated that the team felt it was the right moment for a fresh approach.
“Mitchy hasn’t quite delivered the runs or wickets he would’ve liked this series. It’s a shame because he brings so much to the team, but now feels like the right time to give Beau a chance,” said Pat Cummins. Marsh, who debuted in 2014, has had a tumultuous Test career. While he has excelled in the shorter formats, his inconsistency in red-ball cricket, coupled with the rise of Cameron Green, had relegated him to the sidelines.
Mitchell Marsh, however, decided stride, admitting he understood the rationale behind it. Webster, 31, has been a consistent performer in Sheffield Shield cricket and brings versatility with his ability to bowl both pace and off-spin. His inclusion also provides a backup option should left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc struggle with his ongoing rib niggle.
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Mitchell Starc, who bowled 41 taxing overs in Melbourne, has been retained despite visible discomfort in the latter stages of the previous match. “He was never going to miss this one,” Cummins reassured, underscoring Starc’s importance to the attack.
The Sydney Test also continues Australia’s trend of debutants this series. Teenage opener Sam Konstas impressed in Melbourne with a bold 60, including an audacious ramp shot against India’s ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
Leading the series 2-1, Australia is on the brink of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15. A win or draw would secure the series and guarantee Australia a spot in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s against South Africa in June. The high-stakes clash begins Friday, promising intense cricketing action.
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Australia’s Playing XI: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
