Australia Springs a Surprise for Final Border-Gavaskar Test in Sydney
Australia has delivered a significant selection twist ahead of the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, opting to omit all-rounder Mitch Marsh despite the high stakes, which include the series honors and a potential berth in the World Test Championship Final.
Instead, Beau Webster will step into the playing XI, becoming the 469th Test cricketer for Australia. This marks the second consecutive debut for the team after Sam Konstas’ impressive first outing in Melbourne.
Captain Pat Cummins clarified that Marsh’s exclusion was not due to fitness issues, despite the all-rounder experiencing minor back concerns earlier in the series. Rather, his underwhelming batting performance—averaging just 10.42—and lack of effectiveness with the ball played a role in the decision.
Webster’s selection stems from his strong recent form in first-class cricket. Across his last three matches, he has taken 12 wickets, including six in the most recent Australia A vs. India A game in Melbourne, where he also contributed an unbeaten 46*.
Mitchell Starc, who sustained rib soreness during the Melbourne Test, has been declared fit and retains his place in the side.
Australia XI for Sydney Test:
- Sam Konstas
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head (VC)
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India Squad for the Series Finale:
Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Dhruv Jurel
Reserves:
- Mukesh Kumar
- Navdeep Saini
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Yash Dayal
India’s squad includes a mix of youth and experience, with stars like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravichandran Ashwin joined by emerging talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal.
With both teams eager to end the series on a high note, the Sydney Test promises to deliver high-octane cricket as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy reaches its crescendo.
