Australia Includes New Player as Mitchell Marsh Faces Fitness Issues

 Australia has added Beau Webster to their Test squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar match in Adelaide. This decision comes because of fitness concerns for allrounder Mitchell Marsh. Webster, from Tasmania, received his first international call-up, even though head coach Andrew McDonald earlier said the team would stick to their 13-man squad for the day-night Test starting on December 6.

Source:- Hindustan Times

Mitchell Marsh, 33, felt sore after bowling 17 overs in Australia’s 295-run loss in Perth. It was the most he had bowled in a Test match in three years. McDonald later admitted that Marsh wasn’t fully prepared for such a workload, as he stepped in for Cameron Green, who is out with a back stress fracture.

Mitchell Marsh might still play in the Adelaide Test, but only as a batter. If that happens, the main fast bowlers will have to bowl more, especially with the third Test in Brisbane starting just four days after the Adelaide match ends.

Also Read:- Gautam Gambhir Returning from Australia Due to Family Emergency

 

Beau Webster's selection is a reward for his great performances in first-class cricket. Last season, he became only the second player in Sheffield Shield history, after Sir Garfield Sobers, to score over 900 runs and take 30 wickets in one season. This season, he has already scored 448 runs at an average of 56 and taken 16 wickets. He also played well against India A this month, scoring 61* and 46* and taking 3 for 19 and 3 for 49.

Webster said he was happy to perform well against a strong Indian team. He added, "Playing 'A' cricket is just one step below Tests, so it helps a lot. Getting the call from selector George Bailey was a proud moment, and I’m excited to join the team."

He also said he’s there to provide cover for the middle order, especially because of the short gap between the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests.

Australia's squad for the second Test

1. Pat Cummins (captain)
2. Scott Boland
3. Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
4. Josh Hazlewood
5. Travis Head
6. Josh Inglis
7. Usman Khawaja
8. Marnus Labuschagne
9. Nathan Lyon
10. Mitch Marsh
11. Nathan McSweeneyy
12. Steve Smith
13. Mitchell Starc
14. Beau Webster

Source:- Cricbuzz