See the telling sign Mitch Marsh knew he was in deep trouble with selectors as he’s DROPPED for the Sydney Test
- Mitch Marsh eventually dropped for the SCG Test against India
- Marsh has been replaced by Tasmanian Beau Webster
Struggling all-rounder Mitch Marsh has been dropped for Australia’s SCG final against India, handing Tasmanian Beau Webster a Test debut.
Star pacer Mitchell Starc has been named for the fifth and final match of the Border-Gavaskar series despite suffering from rib pain at the MCG.
The 34-year-old underwent scans on Wednesday but was given the all-clear to take his place in a bowling line-up alongside captain Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon.
By bringing in Starc, Australia needed more bowling options, with Webster offering the versatility to cut pace and spin.
Marsh had only been called on for 13 overs in the past three Tests, with his pace looking quite slow while he was wicketless.
The 33-year-old suffered back problems after the first Test in Perth, but Australian management have since insisted there are no fitness issues for him.
Mitch Marsh (pictured) has been suspended for Australia’s SCG final against India
Beau Webster (pictured) has been the in-form all-rounder in the Sheffield Shield in recent seasons
But Marsh’s struggles with the bat – with scores of 9, 5, 4, 2 and 0 in the past five innings – meant he was in trouble.
More than an hour after the epic finish at the MCG on Monday, Marsh walked onto the ground with two family members and took photographs, seemingly knowing he might have played his last Test.
Webster has averaged 57.1 in first-class cricket since March 2022, while also taking 81 wickets at 31.7.
Last year, the 31-year-old became the first West Indian legend since Sir Garfield Sobers to score 900 runs and take 30 wickets in a Sheffield Shield season.
It will be the second time in a row that Test Australia has selected a premier gamer, following Sam Konstas’ memorable Boxing Day debut.
Australia will regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy for the first time since 2014-15 if they win or draw the New Year Test.
Marsh’s struggles with the bat – with scores of 9, 5, 4, 2 and 0 from his past five innings – left him with little chance of losing his place in the team (pictured with his wife Greta)
A win for India and a 2-2 draw would allow the tourists to retain the trophy and emerge with the spoils for a record-extending fifth straight.
A win at the SCG would earn Australia a place in the second straight World Test Championship final after they defeated India in the 2023 decider.
South Africa became the first team to qualify for the WTC finals at Lord’s next year by winning a dramatic match at home against Pakistan on Sunday.