Webster, who will bat at No.6, has been one of the best players in the Sheffield Shield and can bowl both pace and off-spin if required.
From 93 first-class matches, Webster averages 37.83 with the bat and 37.39 with the ball.
Sam Konstas (left), Sean Abbott and Beau Webster pose for a photo before the MCG Test.Credit: Paul Jeffers
“I don’t think I’d be standing here if I was still wheeling out the off-spinners. It’s a part of my game I’ve been really proud to develop in the last four years,” Webster said of his decision to switch to seam bowling for Tasmania. “It’s taken a lot of hard work early doors from being sore at the start and trying to get my body used to bowling a few overs here and there and then bowling lots more.
“Now it feels like it’s as important as my batting game and they go hand in hand if you’re struggling with the bat you can still contribute with the ball and vice versa.
“I’ve bowled anywhere from 25 in a day to 40-plus in a game. I don’t think my body’s restricted me in any way so far in the fast bowling department. I don’t hit the crease as hard as the big fast bowlers, but I can bowl long spells and have done for Tasmania. If they’re ever required for the national team I’d be more than happy to take it up.”
Cummins insisted that the selectors’ decision did not mean the end of Marsh’s Test career, but admitted that Webster’s ability to bowl more overs had been a factor in the call. Cummins also foreshadowed the return of Cameron Green later this year after back surgery.
Loading
“That was definitely a factor,” Cummins said of Webster’s durability with the ball. “Short turnaround, it’s always nice to have a fifth bowler that perhaps bowls quite a lot for Tasmania, so if we need to call on that we can.
“If you’re going to bat six you’re picked for your batting, which we’ve seen in Sheffield Shield the last couple of years when he takes the game on he’s really changed some games for Tasmania. But particularly that pace bowling is going to be handy.
“[Marsh] was in the side this summer for being a top six batter, so that’s generally a guiding principle when you pick the top order. When he’s at his best he gets into the side on his batting alone and his bowling is a bonus. We’ve got guys like Cam Green, who will be back in the mix at some point as well, who provide some other bowling options.”
Australian XI for SCG Test: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
