Mitchell Marsh’s form slump has reached the point where the selectors will be doing his career more harm than good if they keep him in the firing line while he can barely lay bat on ball or bowl one on the stumps. Apart from a couple of key catches, Marsh was little more than a passenger in Australia’s fourth Test win over India at the MCG and if he is in the line-up for the series decider in Sydney on Friday, serious questions have to be asked about the selection panel’s reluctance to drop established stars. Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster deserves his shot at Test cricket and with the Sri Lanka two-Test tour looming on the horizon, now is the perfect time to see if he can handle the elite level.
At 31 and with Cameron Green due to return later this year from back surgery, this window is possibly Webster’s only chance to get his hands on a baggy green cap. More Cricket And it’s not like he does not deserve it – he became only the second player after West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers to notch 900 runs and 30 wickets in a Sheffield Shield season last summer and has again been performing well for Tassie when not needed as part of Australia’s extended Test squad. Webster could be a crucial component of Australia’s Sri Lanka campaign later next month with his ability to bowl seam and spin.
The Sri Lankan wickets often require a third spinner or an extra pace option in addition to the four frontline bowlers. Webster could bat at six or seven if Alex Carey g.
