Australia reveal playing XI for fifth Test against India?

Australia announced their playing XI for the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against India that starts on January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The Aussies have made a couple of significant changes to the crucial showdown, axing their star player Mitchell Marsh and replacing him with Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster, who will make his debut in Sydney. On the bright side, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins said their premier pacer Mitchell Starc has been ruled fit to play the final Test.

Starc, who had been struggling with a back problem, made a remarkable comeback in the Boxing Day Test as he bowled 16 overs in the second innings without any noticeable dip in pace. Although he took only one wicket, Australia had an easy 184-run victory against India to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Beau Webster comes in as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh and has some prolific domestic record coming into the side. Last season he was the top scorer in the Sheffield Shield, making 938 runs.

His recent performance in one-day cricket against Western Australia was equally impressive, taking six wickets for just 17 runs. The decision to ax Mitchell Marsh followed a string of dreary performances.

Marsh struggled throughout the series, scoring just 73 runs in four Tests at a poor average of 10.42. His bowling contributions were also inconsistent, prompting selectors to opt for a fresh face in Webster.

“We’ve made one change. ‘Marshy’ misses out and Beau Webster is debuting.

Mitchy hasn’t quite got the runs or wickets that perhaps he would have liked in this series. It felt like it was time for a freshen-up, and Beau has been with the squad and has been great. That’s unlucky for Mitchy, we know how much he brings to the team, but we felt now’s a good week for Beau to get a chance, Cummins said in the pre-match press conference on January 2. With the series currently at 2-1 in Australia’s favour, the hosts are determined to secure a win in the final Test.

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