| Marsh dropped, Starc declared fit for BGT finale | | | Agencies
SYDNEY, Jan 2: All-rounder Beau Webster will replace an out-of-form Mitchell Marsh in Australia's squad for the fifth and final Test against India, home skipper Pat Cummins said here on Thursday.
The 33-year-old Marsh scored only 73 runs in seven innings across four Tests and Cummins cited this as the reason for his axing. He has bowled merely 33 overs in the series so far, claiming just three wickets.
"We have one change in our side. Beau Webster comes in place of Mitch Marsh. Mitch knows that he hasn't scored enough runs," Cummins said at the pre-match press conference.
"Mitchie obviously hasn't quite got the runs or perhaps wickets said he would have liked this series. So, it felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau's been with the squad. He's been great. But I feel like now is a good week for Beau to get a chance."
The 31-year-old Webster, who played against India A in November, has scored 5247 runs and taken 148 wickets in first-class cricket. Webster has been in good form in the Sheffield Shield as well and averaged over 55 last season.
"He's just been one of those star performers for Tasmania with the bat or ball, or in the field. He always seems to have a big impact, quite aggressive. (He) can change the game, like we've seen Mitch Marsh or Travis Head or Alex Carey do in that middle order." Cummins admitted that Webster's crafty bowling played a role in the decision,
'That was definitely a factor. It's always nice to have a fifth bowler that bowls quite a lot for Tasmania. So if we need to call on that, we can.
"Firstly, if you're going to bat six, you picked for your batting, which he's shown in Shield over the last couple years when he takes the game on, and he's really changed some games for Tasmania. That pace bowling of Beau's going to be handy," said Cummins.
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