One giant all-rounder could replace another in Australia’s Test XI as Tasmania’s Beau Webster continues to build a compelling case for a maiden baggy green.
The 30-year-old carved out his fourth Sheffield Shield century since the start of last summer as the clash with Victoria ended in a draw on Friday.
Webster’s 113 lifted his Shield aggregate to 1051 runs at an average of 61.82 over the last 12 months and came as Test star Cameron Green got grim injury news on his back that reportedly may need surgery.
READ MORE: Hewitt unimpressed by Davis Cup changes
READ MORE: Simmons makes brutally honest claim about NBA future
READ MORE: SBW’s advice for Suaalii as Wallabies hype builds
At the very least, Green appears unlikely to play in the first Test against India starting on November 22 in Perth.
“I feel like I’ve been batting really well for 18 months now,” the 200cm tall Webster told reporters after striking 13 boundaries in Melbourne.
“I’ve got a routine down pat. Whatever the conditions offer, I feel like I’ve got a game plan that can have some success.”
Webster is the reigning Shield player of the year after also claiming 30 wickets at 29.30 last season.
The only player to better that all-round season haul is the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers, who dominated for South Australia in 1963-64.
“I’m a free-flowing player,” Webster said.
“My defence isn’t the best part of my game. I’m a bit of an attacking player.”
The Australian selectors are spoilt for choice in all-rounder options.
Mitchell Marsh is an incumbent and played alongside Green in Australia’s most recent Test, a three-wicket win over New Zealand in Christchurch in March.
“It’s hard to ignore,” Webster said of the selection chatter.
“But there’s a lot of other good all-rounders around the country and a lot of all-rounders that have had good performances in the last 12 months.
“Hopefully I can just keep doing what I’m doing, and if they see something they like, and I get an opportunity, I’ll jump at it and grab it with both hands. I’m in good form and can hopefully press my case if I do get an opportunity.”
Aaron Hardie and Michael Neser are also in the mix, with cricket writer Bharat Sundaresan spruiking the latter’s claims on Twitter.
“If Cam Green is ruled out from the #AusvInd series, a great option for Australia is to bring in Michael Neser, who’s averaged 34.22 with bat & 21.90 with the ball over the last two #SheffieldShield seasons,” Sundaresan wrote.
“Bat him at 7 & thereby have 5 full bowling options too #NeserMustPlay.”