Australia call up Webster for second India Test

Australia have added uncapped Tasmania all-rounder Beau Webster to their squad for the second Test against India in Adelaide.

The 30-year-old, who was player of the year in the Sheffield Shield last season, will join the national team for the match which starts on 6 December.

Webster averages 38 with the bat in first-class cricket and 37 with the ball.

He will provide cover for Mitchell Marsh, who is struggling for fitness following Australia's defeat in the first Test in Perth.

The Tasmanian, who bowls mostly seam but can also deliver off-spin, joins an otherwise unchanged squad as the home side look to square the five-match series.

He scored 61 and 49 batting for Tasmania against New South Wales this week, taking five wickets with the ball.

Earlier this month he scored 145 runs in two matches against India A, along with taking seven wickets at an average of 19.57.

BBC Sport has ball by ball commentary of India's tour of Australia, plus highlights

by CricViz analyst Ben Jones

While few Australians have been banging the door down domestically, Webster has impressed. In the last four editions of the Sheffield Shield he’s the fourth leading run scorer, and is the only batter to average in excess of 50 having played at least 10 matches.

While spinners do tend to find life difficult in Australia, Webster’s recent record against them - an average of 172 in the last four years - is exceptional. He’s a tall man and loves to pull (average 94) and cut (average 200) the quicks.

Webster could also relieve the pressure that’s been placed on Australia’s fifth bowler Mitchell Marsh, who continues to struggle with his fitness. He often comes on first change for Tasmania, and in the 2023-24 Sheffield Shield season took 30 wickets at an average of 29, with an unusual mix of seam up and spin deliveries.

County fans may also be familiar with Webster from a brief stint with Gloucestershire last season, where he averaged 58 with the bat from four County Championship matches, and took a tidy 16 wickets at 21.