Australian selectors have dropped the axe on struggling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh ahead of the SCG Test.
It means Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster will make his debut against India in the match starting Friday.
Marsh, 33 and the reigning Allan Border Medallist, has struggled badly for form this summer.
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He has scored a paltry 73 runs in four Tests for a disastrous average of 10.42.
Marsh has also been a relative non-factor with the ball, bowling 13 overs in the last three Tests and barely troubling India at all.
He was originally picked in the team as a replacement for the injured Cameron Green, but Marsh’s Test career could now be over.
Mitch Marsh of Australia. Getty
Webster is another tall fast bowling all-rounder but his form with the red ball has been better than Marsh’s of late.
Since March 2022 he has averaged an impressive 57.1 in first-class cricket, and has taken 81 wickets at 31.7 in the same period.
“Mitchy hasn’t quite got the runs, or perhaps the wickets, he would have liked in this series,” Aussie captain Pat Cummins explained to media on Thursday.
“Felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau’s been with the squad, and he’s been great.
“It’s a shame for Mitchy, we know how much he brings to the team but feel like now’s a good week for Beau to get a chance.
“(Marsh) was totally understanding, I think his words were ‘(I was) not necessary blindsided’. He hasn’t scored the runs, or [taken] the wickets he would have liked.
Australia XI: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
“Really excited for Beau. First thing (Marsh) said was ‘can’t wait to see Beau go out there and give it a crack’.
“I think, particularly here in Australia, when a batter misses out or gets dropped, it’s seen as a big thing but it’s not the case.”
Marsh is a highly popular figure in the Australian dressing room but his form on the field has been dismal of late.
His sole contribution in the last couple of matches has been a few handy catches.
The Border-Gavaskar trophy is well and truly on the line in Sydney.
Australia will reclaim the trophy for the first time in eight years if they win or draw the match.
India trails 2-1 and has to win at the SCG to retain the trophy.
