Beau Webster Hopes Not To Get ‘Squeezed Out’ Of Ashes Playing XI

Beau Webster admitted he could miss out on Australia’s Ashes XI but remained optimistic about contributing if given the opportunity.

All-rounder Beau Webster has admitted that he might be left out of Australia’s playing XI for the first Ashes Test, depending on the team’s batting combination. However, he believes he can still make an impact in the series if given the chance.

Webster’s position has been under discussion despite his consistent performances over the past seven Tests, where he has played as the lone all-rounder since replacing Mitchell Marsh in January.

With Cameron Green resuming his bowling duties after featuring only as a batter at No. 3 in the last four Tests, and Marnus Labuschagne regaining form, selectors are facing a dilemma over the top six heading into the Perth Test. The question also remains whether another specialist opener should be added to partner Usman Khawaja.

Selector George Bailey assured that Webster would remain part of the squad for the first Test, saying, “everyone can relax.” However, Webster could still be left out of the XI if Labuschagne returns at No. 3, while Green moves back to No. 6, with either Sam Konstas or another opener taking the top spot.

ALSO READ | WATCH | After Two Ducks, Virat Kohli Celebrates First Run with a Fist Pump

Webster, who missed Tasmania’s first two Sheffield Shield matches this summer due to an ankle injury, returned against Victoria at the Junction Oval, where he took 1 for 26 from 12 overs. Reflecting on his situation, he said, “We’ve obviously got a potential hole around the top of the order there, and see who fills that. If they see me as a pure middle-order [batter], then I’m probably going to get squeezed out. That is what it is. I hope I’m still in the conversation, certainly as a batter only, and if not, if it’s just the makeup of the team I’ll plug the way back in first-class cricket. There’s a lot of Test cricket coming up in the next two years. I hope I’ll be thereabouts.”

At 31, Webster has proven himself as a reliable all-rounder, scoring four half-centuries in 12 innings at an average of 34.63. With the ball, he has taken eight wickets at 23.25 and grabbed 12 catches, showcasing his fielding prowess, especially in the slips.

Webster Confident Despite Selection Dilemma

Webster appreciated Bailey’s confidence in his squad spot but clarified that his place in the XI is not guaranteed. “That depends who you ask,” Webster said. “I’d obviously love to be in the XI. I think I’ve got a lot to contribute there, and especially this Ashes series, I feel like I’m playing the best cricket of my life at the moment. So I certainly want to be there. Sometimes it’s the make-up of the team and the balance and the overs and who bats where. It feels like this series has probably got more questions over that than any before.”

Returning for Tasmania, Webster admitted feeling a bit rusty. He took the new ball and bowled 12 of his 16 allotted overs on the opening day, claiming the wicket of former Test opener Marcus Harris with a sharp delivery that nicked the outside edge. He also took a sharp catch at slip but dropped another one he would normally take.

ALSO READ | WATCH | Vintage Rohit Sharma Lights Up Sydney with 33rd ODI Century

“If I could sum my day up today, a few no-balls and a drop catch at first slip, it probably felt like I was five or 10% off what I usually am,” Webster said. “I mean, that comes when you have probably three weeks of not playing. I felt like I was probably just slightly off it. But to get out there today and bowling 12 overs and get some more time in the slips is always beneficial.”

The break, Webster said, helped him recharge mentally and physically after a long season playing for Australia and Warwickshire in county cricket.

“I think there’s some benefits, no doubt,” Webster said. “I think looking back, I did play a lot of cricket in England, and that’s by choice. I play my best cricket when I’m constantly playing. To have a three-week gap there, it was nice to get back in the gym and do some running and probably freshen the body up physically, ready to go for a big summer.”