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On Thursday, January 2, Australian skipper Pat Cummins announced the team’s playing XI for the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney. Aussies would be entering the New Year Test with a lone major change.
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Mitchell Marsh, who has been under-performing throughout the series, has found the axe while Beau Webster, who has an exceptional first-class record, is all set to be Australia’s 469th men’s Test player.
Unfortunately, Marsh could rack up only 73 runs at an average of 10.42 in the series so far. On the other hand, with the ball, he couldn’t create an impact, bowling only 13 overs in the past three Tests.
Speaking about Webster’s numbers in the first class, he has been averaging 57.10 with the bat since March 2022 while picking up 81 wickets with the ball at an average of 31.70.
"'Mitchy' obviously hasn't quite got the runs, and perhaps wickets this series. So we felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau's been great. 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,” Pat Cummins told reporters on Thursday.
Mitchell Starc is set to be fit
On the other hand, the Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who has been carrying a rib niggle, is all set to be fit for the SCG Test. He was sent for the scans on Wednesday with the team management confident of the pacer’s availability for the Test.
Australia are currently leading the series 2-1 after an 184-run win in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Australia’s playing XI for the SCG Test:
Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
In conclusion, Australia has announced their playing XI for the fifth and final Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The team will see a significant change with Beau Webster replacing the under-performing Mitchell Marsh. Despite carrying a rib niggle, Mitchell Starc is set to be fit for the match. With Australia leading the series 2-1, they aim to secure a series win in the New Year Test.
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