Fri Jan 03 01:43:19 UTC 2025: ## Aussie All-rounder Webster Earns Baggy Green, Debuts in Sydney Test

**Sydney, Australia** – Australia’s Beau Webster received his Baggy Green cap from former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh Friday, marking his highly anticipated Test debut against India in the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 31-year-old all-rounder’s inclusion in the starting XI came as a surprise, replacing Mitchell Marsh, who was dropped despite no serious fitness concerns.

Webster, who will become Australia’s 469th Test player, is expected to bolster the batting lineup as the team’s sixth batter. His selection followed a strong showing in recent first-class matches, where he took 12 wickets in his last three outings, including a six-wicket haul and an unbeaten 46 in a match against India A. Marsh’s recent struggles, averaging only 10.42 in the series and failing to make significant impact with the ball, contributed to the decision.

Captain Pat Cummins confirmed Marsh’s omission wasn’t due to injury, despite minor back issues earlier in the series. Meanwhile, star pacer Mitchell Starc overcame rib soreness sustained in the previous match to retain his place in the team.

The match also saw India’s captain Rohit Sharma rested, a decision confirmed by Jasprit Bumrah during the toss.

**Playing XIs:**

**Australia:** Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.

**India:** Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.

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