Beau Webster becomes Australian men’s Test cricketer number 469 with the Tasmanian all-rounder called into the side to help clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the SCG.
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After an incredible Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, the Aussies head to the fifth and final match of their series against India needing a win or draw to claim the trophy for the first time in a decade.
The Sydney pitch was covered at about 7.30am with rain falling at the Moore Park venue, although the forecast looks largely promising for the majority of the Test with only a small chance of rain across the first four days.
The only change to the Australian XI is Webster, after one of the greatest all-round Sheffield Shield summers in history, replacing the out-of-form Mitch Marsh. His bowling will assist the likes of Mitch Starc, who is sore after a heavy workload throughout the series thus far.
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His call-up surprised many in the Australian cricket community, as well as his family and friends, with ABC’s Chris Rowbottom sharing a social media post which revealed how little some expected it.
“Unlikely but is anyone available for some house sitting starting tonight, for 4-5 nights?” a woman’s Facebook post in the West Hobart Good Karma Network group read, asking for assistance to look after two dogs.
“A friend’s son has been selected for the Australian cricket side!! So she’s off to Sydney at very short notice.”
Rowbottom quipped: “Gotta love Tassie. Anybody know a good dog sitter?”
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Meanwhile India’s XI is yet to be confirmed, but Indian media reported under-fire Rohit Sharma had “opted out” of the match.
Through his three appearances, Sharma has the worst batting average by a captain touring Australia in history.
It means two changes are expected along with bowler Akash Deep’s absence due to a back injury.
The fifth Test between Australia and India gets underway at the SCG on Friday, with the first ball scheduled for 10.30am AEDT.
SYDNEY WEATHER FORECAST (per Bureau of Meteorology)
Day one: 26 and cloudy, 20 per cent chance of rain in the morning
Day two: 29 and sunny, five per cent chance of rain
Day three: 34 and sunny, five per cent chance of rain
Day four: 35 and mostly sunny, 20 per cent chance of rain
Day five: 25 and showers, 80 per cent chance of up to 15mm of rain
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