Australian Test great Ian Healy has asked the Australia Cricket Team selectors to push for Beau Webster. This news comes after India inflicted a humiliating 295-run defeat against the hosts in Perth. Up next, the two sides will lock horns in Adelaide for the Pink Ball Test from 6th December.
While the Australia Team selectors decided to retain the same squad for the second Test, there are expected to be changes in the playing XI. And now it is believed that Beau Webster is next in line, likely to replace Mitch Marsh in the second Test match.
Following the Perth Test, Mitch Marsh is now managing an ankle injury. Beau Webster who is an all-rounder would perfectly fit the bill if the former is unable to bowl owing to his ankle issue. Ian Healy has emphasized that Webster shouldn’t just be a cover for Marsh but is a serious contender for a place in the team.
Drop Boland for Webster
Ian Healy didn’t mince his words. He clearly pointed out that there is no point in keeping Webster in the squad if he is not being used. He further opined that Scot Boland should be dropped and Webster should get his chance. He further clarified how both his batting and bowling prowess make Webster a strong fit for the team.
“I like that, but I don’t reckon standby, get him in. I don’t really like just adding him to the squad unless he’s going to play, drop the 12th man. You drop [Scott] Boland out … and add Beau Webster,” Healy said on SEN.
“He’s through his injury phases. He’s massive, he’s two metres tall, and he’s performed at every level – youth cricket, second XI, Australia A and Shield level. He’s an all-rounder, he’s consistent with the bat, good under pressure and it might be time. That could be the way that we fill in a batting position, Mitch Marsh moves up if he is injury-free and then an all-rounder comes in,” he added.
Australia will try hard to stage a fightback against Rohit Sharma and Co in the second Test match. The Pink Ball Test match in Adelaide will commence from 6th December.
