AUS vs IND 2024-25: Australia announce playing XI for Sydney Test, Mitchell Marsh dropped

Australia have made a bold change for the fifth and final Test against India in Sydney, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh being dropped, and Beau Webster handed his Test debut. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed the decision on Thursday, January 02, citing form and team balance as key factors in the selection. Mitchell Starc, despite a rib and back issue, has been declared fit to play, making Webster as the sole change in the playing XI from the Melbourne encounter.

Marsh’s performance in the ongoing series against India has been a point of question. Across the first four Tests, Marsh managed just 73 runs at an average of 10.42, with the only notable contribution of 47 runs in a losing cause during the second innings in Perth. Marsh’s contribution with the ball was equally underwhelming, bowling 33 overs across seven innings and taking only three wickets, with just one since the opening Test in Brisbane. Cummins opened up about the decision, especially given Marsh’s position within the team. 

"Mitchy (Marsh), obviously hasn't quite got the runs, or perhaps the wickets, that he would have liked this series. So we felt like it was time for a freshening up, and Beau (Webster) has been with the squad. He's been great. So 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," Cummins said at the pre-Test press conference.

Always nice to have kind of fifth bowler: Cummins

Meanwhile, the Tasmanian allrounder was the best performer in the Sheffield Shield last season, scoring 938 runs at an average of 58.62 and taking 30 wickets at 29.30. This season, Webster’s form has remained impressive. In four Shield games, he has scored 303 runs at 50.50, including a century, and taken nine wickets. 

He has also excelled in limited-overs cricket and for Australia A. Cummins emphasized that Webster’s abilities with the bowl, alongside his batting skills, played a critical role in his selection. 

"Short turnaround. I think it's always nice to have kind of a fifth bowler. He bowls quite a lot for Tasmania. So if we need to call on that we can. I think firstly, if you're going to bat six, you're picked for your batting, which I think he's shown in the Shield over the last couple years, when he takes the game on he's really changed some games for Tasmania. But I'll sit down and work that out today. But I think particularly that pace bowling, Beau is going to be handy, and we've got obviously Nath [Lyon], but also Trav [Head] with some handy offies when needed," he added.

Also Read: AUS vs IND 2024-25: Rain to affect last two days of Sydney Test

Australia XI for Sydney Test: 

Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland