Australia v India, 2nd Test: Beau Webster called into squad for Adelaide, Mitch Marsh in doubt

Selectors are set to add a late-blooming Tasmanian all-rounder to the Australian Test squad for Adelaide as cover for a sore Mitch Marsh. BEN HORNE has the details inside.

Late-blooming Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster is poised to join the Australian Test squad as cover for the sore Mitch Marsh.

Webster, 30, has had an outstanding couple of years in first-class cricket, topping the Sheffield Shield run scorers list last season while also impressing for English county Gloucestershire this year.

His form has continued into this season and even this week, with Webster picking up five wickets as well as scores of 61 and 49 in Tassie’s Shield win against NSW last week.

He was among Australia A’s best in the recent series against India A.

Beau Webster plays a shot during the Australia A clash with India A. Picture: AFP

Having bowled off-spin for much of his career, Webster turned his hand to medium pace in recent seasons, a shift that has proved highly effective.

Forced to step up his bowling loads in the absence of the injured Cameron Green, Marsh bowled 17 overs during the first Test but pulled up worse for wear.

Given the second Test doesn’t start until next Friday, Marsh remains a strong chance to play but Webster could come into serious contention later in the series given the short breaks between Tests from that point.

Beau Webster, who represented Australia A against India A, led a Sheffield Shield rout of WA earlier this season, taking 6-17 as WA lost 8-1 in a horrific collapse. Picture: AFP

“We knew that Mitch was slightly underdone coming in but I thought the performance in the first innings was satisfactory,” said Australian coach Andrew McDonald.

Aussie white-ball gloveman Josh Inglis remains in the squad and is another option to replace Marsh in the middle order, albeit he would not provide the bowling output provided by Webster.

Tasmanian captain Jordan Silk backed Webster’s ability to perform at any time, and under immense pressure.

“Yeah, he’s a special player at the moment,” Silk said.

“Anytime I feel like we’re in trouble I feel like I can throw him the ball and he just seems to be able to create something, or anytime we’re in similar trouble with the bat then he’s able to dig us out of it.

“I know there’s a bit of talk probably around him potentially as a backup all-rounder and I’m very supportive of that move if they are to go that way because I think he’s shown in the last 18 to 24 months that he’s one of the best Sheffield Shield players currently.”

Beau Webster could be on the verge of his Test debut. Picture: Getty Images

Silk said Webster, who spearheaded Tasmania’s the rout of Western Australia earlier this season, taking 6-17 as WA lost a staggering 8-1, had gained the respect of the competition on the back of his performances.

“He’s basically playing as our third seamer and top-six batter which is a pretty good luxury to have on our side,” Silk said.

“He’d probably say it was one of the best career moves of all time.

“He could give up his dirty offies and go to seam bowling because it’s now looking like it could open many more doors for him

“I think he’s gained the respect of the competition with those seamers and that probably took maybe a year or two for people to really see that.”

Originally published as Australia v India, 2nd Test: Beau Webster called into squad for Adelaide, Mitch Marsh in doubt