Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Simon Katich Calls for Mitchell Marsh’s Replacement by Beau Webster in Boxing Day Test

Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich has raised concerns about Mitchell Marsh’s impact in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, suggesting that he should be replaced by uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Marsh, who has only taken three wickets in 23 overs so far, was notably not called upon to bowl in Australia’s second innings in Adelaide and Brisbane. Katich expressed his doubts about Marsh’s fitness, noting his inability to bowl consistent overs and take the pressure off Australia’s main seamers. He said:

I’ve been saying for a couple of Tests, Mitch Marsh has not been able to bowl the volume of overs that everyone expected of him. We saw that in Perth, he bowled well on day one. Took some key wickets and then struggled to back up. I mean obviously the Aussie hierarchy knows better than we do around where his fitness is at… that to me indicates something’s not 100% right with him.

With the series tied at 1-1, Katich believes Beau Webster, who has impressed with his all-round abilities for Tasmania, should replace Marsh. He added:

At the end of the day, Beau Webster deserves to be in that squad. He’s done very well for Tassie in the last few years, he’s a genuine all-rounder…

On the issue of dropping Nathan McSweeney, Katich expressed disagreement, suggesting the decision was harsh given the top-order struggles across both teams. Despite the move to bring in Sam Konstas, Katich felt McSweeney’s quiet start wasn’t sufficient grounds for exclusion.