IND vs AUS: Australia make solitary change in playing XI for Sydney Test against India

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Jan 3, 2025, 10:39 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed Beau Webster's Test debut, replacing Mitch Marsh for the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy match. Webster, known for his all-around capabilities, is expected to add a new dynamic to the team. Australia aim to secure the series with a revamped lineup facing India at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

IND vs AUS: Australia make solitary change in playing XI for Sydney Test against India

Australia's Captain Pat Cummins and teammates celebrate the team's win in Melbourne. (ANI Photo)

Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that Beau Webster will make his Test debut in the fifth and final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, starting Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Webster is set to become Australia's 469th men’s Test player.
Webster replaces out-of-form allrounder Mitch Marsh, who has struggled to make an impact with both bat and ball throughout the series. Marsh has managed just 73 runs at an average of 10.42, prompting selectors to opt for Webster as a stronger batting option in the top six.

Poll

Do you think Beau Webster’s debut will make a significant impact for Australia in the final Test against India?

No, it might not make a big difference in the outcomeYes, his all-round skills will strengthen the team

Webster’s impressive recent first-class bowling performances also played a role in the decision, offering additional depth to Australia’s attack, especially with the short turnaround after their fifth-day victory in Melbourne.

Why Pat Cummins laughed when he was asked about facing Jasprit Bumrah

Australia lead the series 2-1 and will look to seal the contest in Sydney with a fresh combination.
Cummins, speaking ahead of the match, expressed confidence in Webster’s ability to contribute to the team’s performance. Webster, known for his all-around capabilities, adds a new dynamic to Australia's lineup.
"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," said skipper Cummins. "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."

Marsh’s omission comes after a string of below-par performances in the series, making way for Webster to step in and showcase his skills on the grand stage. The SCG Test presents a golden opportunity for Webster to cement his place in the national side.
Meanwhile, pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been cleared to play despite nursing a rib niggle. "He was never going to miss this one," Cummins said, emphasizing Starc’s commitment to the team.
Australia will look to their revamped lineup to deliver a strong performance and wrap up the series against a competitive Indian team.
Australia XI for Sydney Test

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

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

End of Article