Beau Webster defends Sheffield Shield as preparation for Test cricket

A potential Australian Test debutant has gone into bat for the nation’s top domestic cricket competition as batters struggle to convince.

Australian Test squad inclusion Beau Webster says he feels well prepared by the Sheffield Shield to make the jump to the next level as he contends for a debut in either Adelaide or Brisbane.

The 30-year-old Tasmanian all-rounder said he was “really proud” to have won a call-up for the second Test against India as doubt swirls over the availability of a sore Mitch Marsh.

Marsh bowled 17 overs in the 295-run loss in Perth, claiming match figures of 3-77 but sending down nine no-balls in a sign of his limited preparation.

Webster had heard no “specifics” about a potential role in the side, but said the three-day break between the second Test at the Adelaide Oval and the third at the Gabba meant he was in the frame for a debut in either match.

Beau Webster is ready for his shot at Test cricket if called upon to replace Mitch Marsh against India at the Adelaide Oval on December 6. Picture: Jason McCawley / Getty Images

Keeper Josh Inglis was the other possible replacement for Marsh if Australia was prepared to take only three seam-bowling options into the pink-ball Test.

“We didn’t really touch on the specifics about that … if (Marsh) does pull up a bit sore and is unable to play, I’ll be right there,” Webster said on Thursday.

“There is a tight turnaround between the Adelaide and Gabba Tests as well, so I think just to have some cover there for that middle-order role, whichever way they go.

“I’d be comfortable to (bat wherever) they require – I feel like I’ve done it all in the last 10 years.

“I daresay the role will be somewhere between that five and seven role with the bat, and some overs as well. Predominantly (bowling) seam-up, I think we’ve got the spin department covered pretty convincingly with Nath (Lyon) and some others.”

Webster was the matchwinner again for Tasmania as they claimed a thrilling Shield victory over New South Wales on Wednesday following an aggressive declaration by captain Jordan Silk to keep the game alive.

Webster celebrates with his Tasmanian teammates after dismissing Jackson Bird to secure the Tigers’ first Sheffield Shield win this season. Picture: Jason McCawley / Getty Images

He removed Adam Zampa and Jackson Bird in the same over to seal a 55-run win after Zampa and Chris Green (34 not out) had looked threatening at 8-239 chasing 294 with 13 overs remaining in the day.

“It was a good day yesterday, we had a great win for Tassie, a thrilling victory … and to get the call to be added to the Test squad was a really nice (way to cap it off),” he said.

“To get the call from ‘Bails’ at the end of the game was a really proud moment, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

“I’ve been in good form for a while now – I’m hoping to carry that on, and keep pressing my case.”

He said although he would not know until he was thrown into the cauldron of Test cricket, the Shield had left him in “good stead” to have an impact at the elite level.

“I wouldn’t know, at the moment. But I think Sheffield Shield is very good cricket, it’s hard cricket,” he said.

“It’s only a six-team competition, so it’s the best of the best of who’s available.

“In the near future, I feel like my last 10 or 12 years of playing Shield cricket will hold me in good stead.”