Australia is grappling with a significant selection decision ahead of the third Test of the Ashes series, scheduled to begin on December 6, 2023, in Adelaide. The dilemma centers on whether to retain veteran cricketer Usman Khawaja, who will celebrate his 39th birthday on the second day of the match, or to make a change that could signal the end of his illustrious career in the baggy green.
Khawaja’s potential omission raises questions about his future as either an opener or a middle-order player. This uncertainty has drawn comparisons between two cricketers vying for the same position: Beau Webster and Josh Inglis. The situation intensifies as Australia coach Andrew McDonald hinted at possible lineup changes, suggesting that Webster might be considered for a spot in the team.
During the lead-up to the second Test at the Gabba, Webster’s body language revealed a sense of tension. He engaged in deep discussions with McDonald and chief selector George Bailey during the team’s final training session. Webster was overlooked for the first Test in favor of Inglis, who had not yet secured a long-term place in the team. While Nathan Lyon’s exclusion received widespread attention, Bailey acknowledged that the selection process for Webster was equally contentious.
“I don’t think Nathan agreed with it, and that’s fine, but I think Beau Webster is in the same boat,” Bailey stated. “That was heavily debated around Inglis and Neser or Webster and Neser.” With both players not having featured prominently in the series, Webster remains the only member of the 15-man squad yet to play a Test this summer. He recently showcased his skills with a solid performance for Australia A against the England Lions, scoring 44 runs and taking match figures of 1-50 from 13 overs.
The debate over whether to include Cameron Green and Webster in the same lineup continues. Webster, known as ‘Slug from Snug’, expressed confidence in his abilities prior to the series. “If I were picking the team, I’d certainly be there, but that’s not the luxury the players have,” he remarked on SEN Radio in October. His first-class batting average stands at 34.6, while his bowling average is 23.3, numbers that compare favorably to those of other notable all-rounders early in their careers.
Both Webster and Inglis have had a challenging start to the season, with Inglis scoring 4 and 28 against Queensland, while Webster recorded 11, 6, 13, and 8 for Tasmania. Despite these setbacks, the decision to position Inglis at No. 7 during the second Test against England was unexpected, particularly given his recent performance of a century for Australia A.
Inglis demonstrated some promise during the match, scoring 23 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed by England captain Ben Stokes. However, he had the second-fewest deliveries faced among Australia’s batsmen in the first innings. The absence of Webster’s bowling in Brisbane was noted, especially considering he could have provided a varied option against England’s batting lineup.
A crucial factor influencing the selection for Adelaide is the anticipated return of captain Pat Cummins, who missed the Brisbane Test due to workload management. Cummins’ fit status could lead to Webster being seen as a versatile option, capable of contributing with both bat and ball, particularly if Khawaja is dropped.
Webster has a slightly better first-class batting average at Adelaide Oval compared to Inglis, averaging 25.8 to Inglis’s 19.8. Their previous encounter in the West Indies earlier this year saw Webster outperforming Inglis, scoring 74 runs to Inglis’s 17. Since his initial Test hundred against Sri Lanka, Inglis’s performance has dipped, averaging just 10 across four innings.
The decision to drop Inglis again after just one Test could be perceived as harsh, especially given Cummins’ influence at the selection table. As Australia approaches this pivotal match, the choice regarding Khawaja’s future takes on added significance. If the team opts for Inglis once more, Webster may be left questioning what more he needs to do to secure his place in the Australian lineup.
