Beau Webster Hopeful He Won’t Be ‘Squeezed Out’ of Australia’s XI for Perth Ashes Test
Australia allrounder Beau Webster says he is hopeful of retaining his spot in the Test side for the opening Ashes Test in Perth, even as selection debates intensify around the team’s batting order and balance.
Webster, who has been a mainstay in the Australian XI for the past seven Tests, acknowledged that he could be “squeezed out” depending on how selectors structure the top six. With Cameron Green fit to resume bowling and Marnus Labuschagne returning to form, Australia’s selectors face a tricky decision on whether to retain Webster as an allrounder or opt for a more specialist top-order option.
Selection Dilemma Looms for Perth
Chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed Webster’s place in the squad for Perth, saying “everyone can relax,” but stopped short of guaranteeing his position in the starting XI. If selectors reinstate Labuschagne at No.3 and pair a specialist opener alongside Usman Khawaja, Green could slide back to No.6, leaving Webster as the likely omission.
“If they see me as a pure middle-order batter, then I’m probably going to get squeezed out,” Webster admitted after returning for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield on Monday. “That’s just how it is. I hope I’m still in the conversation, certainly as a batter, and if not, I’ll just keep pushing my case in first-class cricket. There’s a lot of Test cricket coming up over the next two years, and I hope I’ll be thereabouts.”
Strong Record, Quiet Consistency
Since replacing Mitchell Marsh in January, Webster has quietly become one of Australia’s most reliable contributors. In seven Tests, he has scored four half-centuries at an average of 34.63, taken eight wickets at 23.25, and grabbed 12 catches, excelling particularly in the slips.
The 31-year-old said he feels he’s playing the best cricket of his career and hopes to feature in the upcoming Ashes. “I’d love to be in the XI,” he said. “This series probably has more questions about balance and batting order than any before. I think I’ve got a lot to contribute.”
Rusty Return but Encouraging Signs
Webster made his comeback from an ankle injury during Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria at Junction Oval. On his first day back, he bowled 12 overs for 1 for 26, dismissing former Test opener Marcus Harris with a delivery that seamed sharply across the left-hander.
Summing up his day, Webster said, “A few no-balls and a drop catch at slip—it felt like I was five or ten percent off. But to get through 12 overs and spend some time in the slips again was good.”
Mental Break and Physical Refresh
After a heavy winter playing county cricket for Warwickshire, Webster said the short break helped him reset mentally and physically.
“I did play a lot of cricket in England, and I usually play my best when I’m constantly in rhythm,” he said. “But having three weeks off to freshen up, hit the gym, and get stronger has been good preparation for a big summer ahead.”
As the Ashes approach, Webster’s fate may hinge on team balance rather than form. For now, he remains optimistic — and ready — should his name be called at Perth.