Aussie cricket star’s parents go viral with heartwarming Facebook request as their son gets ready for Test debut

Australian cricket star Beau Webster’s parents have gone viral after making a public appeal to care for their dogs ahead of the all-rounder’s Test debut against India at the SCG.

Webster, 31, is a straight swap into the XI for Mitch Marsh – and his call-up caught his mother and father in Tasmania off guard.

In a Facebook post on the West Hobart Good Karma Network page, a friend of Tina and Rod Webster posted on their behalf asking someone to come sit in Mount Nelson and care for the family’s two dogs.

“Unlikely, but is anyone available for a house sitter starting tonight, for 4-5 nights?” read the message.

‘See you at least next Tuesday, possibly a few more days after that. Would care for 2 dogs in Mount Nelson.

‘A friend’s son has been selected for the Australian cricket team!! So she will be leaving for Sydney at very short notice.’

Pictured: The Facebook post asking if someone could come and sit in Mount Nelson and care for the family’s two dogs

Webster, 31, will become the country’s 469th Test player when he replaces Mitch Marsh

The message was also shared on X – and cricket fans loved it.

“I hope someone got through it. Surprised the old man didn’t throw the labradors on the plane with him,” someone said in response.

Another said: ‘That’s amazing.’

A third cheekily weighed in: “Mitch Marsh is free.”

Webster will become the country’s 469th Test player at the SCG on Friday as the Aussies look to claim the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

In March 2022, Webster averaged 29.54 in first-class cricket, having moved up and down Tasmania’s batting order while also bowling part-time off-spin.

But after a breakthrough 164no against Queensland in the final round of the 2021-2022 Sheffield Shield season, Webster’s career has changed.

Consistency has followed, with Webster averaging 57.10 in first-class cricket and doubling his tally of career centuries and half-centuries.

“To some it probably feels like an overnight success,” Tasmania coach Jeff Vaughan said.

“But he’s been playing first-class cricket for almost a decade.”

The 31-year-old’s journey to a baggy green is one of the most unique in Australian cricket this century.

Since 2000, only Bryce McGain has made his debut for Australia in Test cricket at an older age without having played a white-ball international in his twenties.

Webster’s decision to bowl at medium pace during COVID and make use of his two-metre frame has also been crucial as he can support Australia’s trio of pacers against India.

But skipper Pat Cummins pointed out that Webster had won his Test spot on the strength of his batting after topping the Shield charts last summer.

“Once players reach a certain age, they’ve technically gone through all their trials and errors and mistakes,” Vaughan said.

‘He worked a lot during the trip. He needs to understand his own technique and he knows he is unique. But he’s definitely confident in the way he’s playing.”

Webster’s versatile bowling looms as a useful asset for Australia in Sri Lanka next month, while the team’s transition means there could be room for both him and a fit Cameron Green in the team going forward.

“He’s got another six or seven good years ahead of him, and a pretty impressive international career with opportunities and support at that level,” Vaughan said.

‘I have no doubt he can be successful. “It’s not about him trying to find his way in first-class cricket, he’s really dominating it.

‘So we are not hopeful or uncertain. He is definitely the dominant player at our level and definitely deserves a chance.”