Beau Webster in massive move amid crushing new blow for Mitch Marsh after Aussie Test axing
Webster could once again benefit from Marsh's misfortune after a big move.
Beau Webster is in line to replace Mitch Marsh for the second time in a month after the veteran all-rounder was ruled out of Australia's Champions Trophy squad in Pakistan with injury. Marsh has been dealing with a lower back issue since being dropped from the Test team for Webster after the fourth match of a disappointing Border-Gavaskar series against India.
The 33-year-old missed the end of the Perth Scorchers' Big Bash campaign but the back problem deteriorated over the past month as Marsh attempted rehabilitation. While it's since been confirmed that Marsh has not suffered a stress fracture - as has been reported previously - the injury for the reigning Allan Border Medallist is serious enough to see him ruled out of the Champions Trophy tournament, beginning later this month.
Cricket Australia selectors gave Marsh the bad news after meeting on Thursday night during the two-Test series in Sri Lanka. The all-rounder was also supposed to feature for Australia in the two-match One Day International series against Sri Lanka that follows the Tests, but his international career is now hanging in the balance.
It's hoped that by affording Marsh extra time to recover now will help prolong his international career but there is no timeline for his return. And Marsh's latest injury setback could also jeopardise his lucrative deal with the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League, after Justin Langer's team picked up the all-rounder at last year's auction.
Marsh was in line to captain Australia for the Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan if regular skipper Pat Cummins fails to recover from an ankle injury in time. Steve Smith or Travis Head appear the most obvious captaincy options if Marsh and Cummins are ruled out, although Australia have until February 12 to finalise their squad.
Beau Webster seals exciting move back to BBL champions
Webster will surely come into contention as a like-for-like replacement for Marsh in the Aussie squad after impressing on his Test debut against India at the SCG. It's been a massive month for the towering all-rounder, who has just sealed a blockbuster move back to BBL champions the Hobart Hurricanes for next season.
RELATED:
Sad detail about wife as Steve Smith joins 10,000-Test run club
Cricket world blasts 'pathetic' move amid Smith and Khawaja heroics
Just days after winning their first BBL title, the Hurricanes confirmed Webster would be returning to the team after starting his Big Bash career with the Hurricanes. Webster's move is a major blow to former side the Melbourne Stars, who are now the only BBL franchise yet to win the title. Coincidentally though, it could open the door for Marsh to replace Webster at the Stars after he was left off the Perth Scorchers' contracted list before the player movement period started.
Webster will fit in perfectly alongside Hurricanes' hero, Mitch Owen, who belted an unforgettable century to power Hobart to a comprehensive win against the Sydney Thunder in Monday night's final. "I am pumped to return to Hobart next summer," Webster said. "To see them win a championship makes me hungry to bring another one to 'Canes fans next season."
Hobart's high performance boss Salliann Beams hailed the signing of the Test No.6. "We have seen over the past 18 months just how special of a player Beau is, and to have him re-join the Hurricanes is something that will make all Tasmanians proud to hear," he said.
"Beau's skill set in the short form of the game is up there with some of the best in the country, and he can take the game away from the opposition with the bat while also providing another wicket-taking option with the ball. His leadership will also be a vital aspect of his role at the Hurricanes, and he is great mates with the players we already have on our list which means he will fit into what we are trying to build seamlessly."
with AAP