Katich Endorses Webster's Test Selection After Stellar Shield Performances
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Sydney, Jan 3 (NationPress) Former Australian Test opener Simon Katich has endorsed Beau Webster's inclusion for the fifth Test at the SCG, asserting that the allrounder has earned this opportunity due to his exceptional performance with numerous runs and wickets at the Shield level.
Webster made his mark as Australia’s 469th men's Test player when he took to the field at SCG on Friday for the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
He has joined the Australian squad for the second Test of the series in Adelaide and has been named in the playing XI of the final Test of the series after the out-of-form Mitchell Marsh was omitted from the team.
Webster has maintained an impressive average of 57.10 in first-class cricket since March 2022, while also capturing 81 wickets at an average of 31.70. His recent performances include taking 12 wickets across his last three first-class games, where he took six wickets and scored an unbeaten 46 in the latest Australia A vs India A match in Melbourne.
"From Beau Webster’s perspective, he definitely deserves his opportunity. He’s banged down the door with runs and wickets at Shield level. He deserves his chance, and it’s great to see the selectors have been consistent," Katich told SEN Breakfast.
Marsh has been struggling with the bat, recording scores of 9, 5, 4, 2, and 0 in his past five innings. He has only bowled 13 overs in the last three Tests.
“It’s not unexpected, given Marsh’s form in the last four Tests. I thought Australia might stick with the same squad after their win the other day," Katich added.
The fifth Test is currently taking place at SCG, and after winning the toss, India has stumbled to 3/57 at lunch and is now struggling at 95/4.
