Kolkata : Australia, leading Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 2-1 has announced playing XI for 5th Test at Sydney starting from January 3, 2025.
Allrounder Beau Webster is set to replace out of form Mitchell Marsh. It means Beau Webster will enter the playing XI as the second debutant in as many Tests after Sam Konstas’ electric entry in Melbourne.
Webster, set to become the 469th Test player for Australia, is the preferred sixth batter for the side, with Pat Cummins confirming there were no fitness concerns for Marsh despite minor back complaints earlier in the series.
The allrounder has abilities to bowl at good pace and take wickets, also can hit Ball down the order.
Averaging just 10.42 for the series and not providing cut-through with his overs of pace bowling, Marsh gives way to Webster, whose recent first-class bowling numbers, and a quick turnaround from the Melbourne Test, also contributed to the change.
Webster claimed 12 wickets across his last three first-class outing, taking six wickets and making an unbeaten 46* in the most recent Australia A v India A meeting in Melbourne. Rest of the playing XI remains same as 4th Test.
Mitchell Starc meanwhile keeps his place in the side, declared fit in spite of rib soreness sustained in the Melbourne victory.
Australia XI: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
