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Xtra Time Web Desk: Australia, reeling from a 295-run defeat to India in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, have brought uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster into their squad for the day-night second Test in Adelaide. Webster is being considered as cover for Mitchell Marsh, who reported soreness after bowling 17 overs in the Perth Test.

Who is Beau Webster?

Beau Webster, 30, is a versatile all-rounder who bowls right-arm pace and is a capable batsman, drawing comparisons to Marsh. He has made a significant mark in domestic cricket, particularly in the Sheffield Shield, where he has scored 1,788 runs in the last two years, including five centuries and nine half-centuries.

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In a recent Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales, Webster showcased his all-round ability with scores of 61 and 49, along with a five-wicket haul. His stellar performances last season earned him the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year title, accumulating over 900 runs and 30 wickets—a feat previously achieved only by Sir Garfield Sobers.

In first-class cricket, Webster boasts 5,297 runs at an average of 37.83 and 148 wickets. He also impressed for Australia A in the lead-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scoring unbeaten 61 and 46 in two games, and taking crucial wickets against India A.

JUST IN: A fresh face confirmed for the Aussie Test squad heading to Adelaide! #AUSvIND

Details: https://t.co/436boXikq6 pic.twitter.com/pcXntNLsVH

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 28, 2024

Interestingly, Webster began his career as an off-spinner but transitioned to pace bowling during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

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Australia’s concerns

Australia are already grappling with injuries, as star all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out of the series due to surgery on a stress fracture in his spine. The inclusion of Webster is seen as a strategic move to bolster their all-round options as they aim to level the five-match series.

The second Test at Adelaide Oval begins on December 6, under the lights in a pink-ball encounter.

Australia squad for second Test in Adelaide:

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.