Australia make one change as playing 11 for BGT 2024-25 5th Test announced

Australia have named one change to their winning combination for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar series. Out-of-form all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been dropped after a string of poor displays, while Beau Webster is in line to make his international debut.

The pressure was intense on Marsh after being dismissed for a duck in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test, his fifth single-digit score in succession. While the all-rounder received a vote of confidence from head coach Andrew McDonald during the short gap between the fourth and the fifth Test, the management has decided to give a chance to the 31-year-old who came into the squad as cover midway through the series.

Beau Webster had a rock-solid Sheffield Shield season in 2023-24, finishing as the leading run-scorer and the second-leading wicket-taker for Tasmania. The all-rounder not only brings form and energy to the Australian setup, but also versatility as he is capable of bowling both medium pace, and off-spin.

Australia need a fifth bowler more than ever amid injury issues to their seam bowling trio, and Cameron Green's absence. Mitchell Marsh was unable to step up with the ball, due to his own persistent injury concerns. He bowled 33 overs in four Tests, with no wickets since the series opener in Perth.

"'Mitchy' obviously hasn't quite got the runs, and perhaps wickets this series. So we felt like it was time for a freshen up and Beau's been great. It's a shame for Mitchy, because we know how much he brings to the team, but feel like now it's a good week for Beau to get a chance," Cummins told reporters ahead of the New Year's Test in Sydney (via cricket.com.au)

Cummins also confirmed that Mitchell Starc will play the fifth Test despite being troubled by a niggle during the hard-fought Boxing Day clash in Melbourne. The left-arm pacer was seen clutching his side several times, putting in a colossal shift worth 41 overs in the match that went down till the final session.

Australia playing XI for the fifth Test against India

Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

"The first thing Marsh said was 'I can't wait to see Beau go out there and give it a crack'," - Australia captain Pat Cummins on dropping Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Marsh was viewed to be among the best six batters in the country ever since his comeback in the 2023 Ashes. However, with the runs drying out and a questionable bowling output as an all-rounder, Australia were forced to look for an alternative ahead of the decisive series finale.

"Really excited for Beau; the first thing he (Marsh) said was 'I can't wait to see Beau go out there and give it a crack'," Cummins said

"Particularly here in Australia, I think when a batter misses out or gets dropped, it's always seen as a big thing," he added

The fifth Test between India and Australia is scheduled to begin from January 3 onwards in Sydney. The Men in Yellow lead the series by a 2-1 margin, and need either a win or a draw to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.