Australia drop Mitch Marsh for fifth Test with Beau Webster to debut in series decider
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Struggling all-rounder Mitch Marsh has been dropped for Australia’s SCG finale against India, giving Tasmanian Beau Webster a Test debut. But star quick Mitchell Starc has been named for the fifth and final match of the Border-Gavaskar series despite dealing with rib soreness at the MCG.
The 34-year-old had scans on Wednesday, but received the all-clear to take his spot in a bowling line-up alongside captain Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon. Taking Starc in meant Australia needed more bowling options, with Webster providing the versatility of sending down pace and spin.
Marsh had only been called upon for 13 overs in the past three Tests, with his pace appearing well down while going wicketless. The 33-year-old did suffer back complaints following the first Test in Perth, but Australian management have since insisted there are no fitness concerns for him.
But Marsh’s struggles with the bat – making scores of 9, 5, 4, 2 and 0 from his past five innings – meant he was in trouble. “‘Mitchy’ obviously hasn’t quite got the runs, and perhaps wickets this series,” Cummins said on Thursday. “So we felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau’s been great.
“It’s a shame for Mitchy, because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it’s a good week for Beau to get a chance.”. More than an hour after the epic finish at the MCG on Monday, Marsh walked out onto the ground with two family members and took photos, seemingly knowing he might have played his final Test.
