Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy has urged the team’s think tank to seriously consider awarding Beau Webster a Test cap for the pink-ball match against India in Adelaide next week. Selectors on Thursday added the Tasmanian all-rounder to the squad for the second Test as cover for Mitchell Marsh, who has an ankle problem. But Healy doesn’t want Webster to be just a “reserve player.” “I love it, but I don’t think there’s any need to wait, invite him,” Healy told SEN Radio.
“I don’t really like just adding him to the team unless he’s going to play by dropping the 12th man.” Marsh suffered the injury after bowling the most overs he had bowled in a Test match in three years during the Perth Test.
As a result, Australia had to rely on spin and medium-pace overs from Marnus Labuschagne, as well as five off-spin overs from Travis Head during their 295-run humiliation in the first match of the series.
Webster, who like Marsh is also a right-arm spinner, is expected to come into the equation if the West Australian fails to bowl the overs required of him.
“You take Boland out… and you add Beau Webster. He has already passed the injury stage. He’s massive, he’s 2m tall and he’s played at all levels – youth cricket, 2nd XI, Australian A and Shield level,” Healy, a veteran of 119 Tests. , said.
“He’s an all-rounder, he’s consistent, he hits well under pressure and maybe it’s time. Maybe that’s how we fill the batting position, Mitch Marsh moves up unless he’s injured and then the all-rounder comes in.
“If Marsh moves up, he won’t remain an all-rounder because he’s injury-prone and that could be the decision in the long run,” says Healy.
Webster has been an outstanding player for the Sheffield Shield over the last two years. This year he collected 303 Shield runs at an average of 50.50 and also took nine wickets.
The Adelaide Test begins on December 6.
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