Australia Drop Mitch Marsh, Confirm Beau Webster's Debut for Decisive Sydney Test Against India

Australia have made a bold change for the fifth and final Test against India in Sydney, dropping out-of-form all-rounder Mitch Marsh in favor of debutant Beau Webster. Skipper Pat Cummins announced the decision Thursday, citing Marsh’s lackluster performance with both bat and ball throughout the series.

“Mitchy hasn’t got the runs or wickets he would have liked, and we felt it was time for a fresh start,” Cummins said. Webster, a versatile player capable of bowling both pace and off-spin, is seen as a solid backup, especially with Mitchell Starc nursing a rib niggle.

Australia, leading the series 2-1, need only a draw in Sydney to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15 and secure a spot in the World Test Championship final.

The Sydney Test lineup includes debutant Webster alongside Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Scott Boland in the bowling attack, while teenage opener Sam Konstas, who impressed in Melbourne with a quickfire 60, retains his place.

Australia’s Playing XI: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland