From Hobart to the Big Stage: Beau Webster set to join Australian giants for Test against India

Tasmanian bolter Beau Webster admits dreaming of wearing the Baggy Green as he prepares for Australian Test debut. Who he could replace.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 07: Beau Webster of Australia A celebrates the wicket of Tanush Kotian of India A during the match between Australia A and India A at Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 07, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Tasmanian Beau Webster said he would be lying if he had not dreamed about wearing the famous Baggy Green cap after his call-up to the Australian squad ahead of the Second Test against India in Adelaide next week.

The experienced Tasmanian Tigers all-rounder, of Hobart, is about to rub shoulders with household names like Patrick Cummins, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne as the Aussies shape up for another shot at the red-hot Indians.

Webster, who turns 31 on Sunday, received an early birthday present from national selection chair and fellow-Tasmanian George Bailey, who broke the news on Wednesday night after the Tigers had beaten NSW by 55 runs in their Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 26: Beau Webster of the Tigers \\baduring the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania at Sydney Cricket Ground, on November 26, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Webster is a back-up for all-rounder Mitch Marsh, who is listed as “sore” after the First Test in Perth.

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

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

“I think every cricketer would be lying if they didn’t say they wanted to wear the Baggy Green.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 26: Beau Webster of the Tigers bowls during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania at Sydney Cricket Ground, on November 26, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“I’m not there yet, but it’s nice to be in and around it, and I can’t wait to get in and get training and just be around the Test setup.”

Webster could barely have done more to earn his selection, having been an outstanding performer with bat and ball across domestic cricket in Australia and England over the past couple of years.

He will join the squad in excellent form after making scores of 61 and 49 as well as taking five wickets for Tassie against NSW.

Having batted up and down the order over the years for Tasmania, Webster has found his niche in the middle-order while bowling medium-pace after a shift from off-spin.

Though primarily called up to serve as Marsh’s understudy - particularly given there are just four days between the end of the Adelaide Test and the third Test in Brisbane - he said he would be happy to bat anywhere.

“I’d be comfortable to do whatever they whatever they require,” Webster said.

“I feel like I’ve done it all in the past 10 years at the top and in the middle.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 26: Beau Webster of the Tigers bats during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Tasmania at Sydney Cricket Ground, on November 26, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

“I dare say the role will be somewhere between that five and seven role with the bat and predominantly seam-up.

“We’ve got the spin department covered pretty convincingly with Nathan [Lyon] and a few other guys who bowl some part-time spin.”

Webster said Bailey hadn’t specified whether he would remain with the squad beyond the Adelaide Test but expected that the short gap between matches would be a consideration.

“I think it might be this Test and the next, but I’m sure they’ll clear that up in the next day or two.”