IND vs AUS: The highly anticipated fifth test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to commence on January 3 in Sydney. Australia has announced its playing eleven, with a notable change in the lineup. Beau Webster has been included in the team, replacing all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. This decision was announced by Australian captain Pat Cummins during a press conference on January 2. Webster, 31, is poised to make his Test debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Marsh’s Poor Form Leads to Omission
Mitchell Marsh’s exclusion from the team comes as no surprise, given his underwhelming performance in the series. The 33-year-old all-rounder has managed a mere 73 runs at an average of 10.42 in seven innings across four Test matches. His highest score of 47 runs came in the second innings of the Perth Test, when the match was already out of Australia’s hands. Marsh’s bowling performance has also been lackluster, with only three wickets taken in the Perth Test and none in the subsequent three Tests. His fitness has also been a concern, leading to his omission from the final Test.
Starc Declared Fit to Play
In a positive development for Australia, captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that Mitchell Starc is fully fit to participate in the fifth Test. Starc had experienced back discomfort during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), casting doubts over his availability for the final Test. However, he has since recovered and will open the bowling for the Australian team in the Sydney Test.
Australia’s Playing Eleven for the Fifth Test Against India: Sam Constas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.