Australia Release Beau Webster, Josh Inglis to Play BBL Ahead of Final Ashes Test

Australia sent Beau Webster and Josh Inglis back to the Big Bash League after their home Ashes defeat.

A day after suffering their first home Test defeat to England since January 2011, Australia have released two players from their Ashes squad. All-rounder Beau Webster and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis were allowed to leave the camp on Sunday, December 28, to feature in the ongoing Big Bash League. The move comes as Australia look to balance player workload while keeping options open ahead of the series decider.

Webster will turn out for the Hobart Hurricanes, while Inglis is set to represent the Perth Scorchers in their respective BBL fixtures this week. Both players are expected to rejoin the national squad before the fifth and final Test, scheduled from January 4 to 8, 2026, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Prospects of Inglis and Webster

While Inglis featured in the second and third Tests of the series without making a major impact with the bat, Webster has not played any of the four matches so far despite impressing in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His all-round ability keeps him in contention, especially with Cameron Green struggling for form. Green has scored just 112 runs across six innings in the Ashes and has managed only three wickets, raising questions over his place in the XI.

Webster, 32, could emerge as a like-for-like replacement if Australia decide to make changes in Sydney. The Tasmanian all-rounder made his Test debut at the SCG in January 2025, scoring a crucial 57 in the first innings and contributing with the ball before finishing an unbeaten 39 in a successful chase. He has since represented Australia in Sri Lanka, the West Indies, and the 2025 World Test Championship final, but has remained on the sidelines during the Ashes.

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According to reports, Webster will be available for Hobart Hurricanes’ clash against the Melbourne Renegades on December 29, while Inglis is expected to line up for the Perth Scorchers against the Sydney Thunder on December 30.