Beau Webster will become Australia’s 469th Test player on Friday in Sydney and it’s been anything but a smooth ride to Test cricket for the all-rounder.

The 31-year-old was confirmed on Thursday to wear the baggy green for the first time by skipper Pat Cummins, who was involved in the tough decision to axe Mitchell Marsh.

Webster is expected to bat at No.6 and will add depth to the side’s bowling stocks for a crucial showdown with India at the SCG.

READ MORE: Indian skipper sensationally dumped for series decider

READ MORE: Coach’s spray revealed as Indian camp unravels

READ MORE: Struggling star axed in Aussie shake-up for SCG

A staple of the Australian domestic scene for many years, Webster made his first-class debut for Tasmania more than a decade ago as a middle-order batter.

On the side, Webster bowled some handy off-spin for the Tigers and took that into T20 cricket, plying his trade with multiple Big Bash franchises.

However, with his career at somewhat of a plateau point at the start of this decade, Webster decided he wanted to start using his giant 198cm frame as a pace bowler.

While it took a little bit of time to adjust and find his role for Tasmania, last summer was the best of Webster’s career as he reached his 30th birthday.

Webster would finish the Sheffield Shield campaign with astonishing numbers, scoring 938 runs at an average of 58.62 and taking 30 wickets with an average of 29.30, taking out the competition’s player of the year honours in the process.

Despite his breakout season, Webster wasn’t touted publicly as a Test option in the lead-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicking off in late-November.

A century early in the Shield season and the pressure mounting on Marsh due to a lack of runs and decreased bowling load saw Webster bolt into the frame.

“Beau has been slamming down that door and knocking very hard with his performances,” former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson said.

“He’s been very consistent with the bat, he’s been very consistent with the ball and his bowling is only getting better. He has certainly done everything he’s needed to do to be able to be rewarded with a Test debut here in Sydney.

“The beauty of this is that they are picking someone who has been in really good form.”

Spending time around the touring squad throughout the series, Webster has split his time between the Aussie camp and playing for the Melbourne Stars, before finally getting the nod for the final game of the series in place of Marsh.

Cummins was full of praise for the Tassie product and hopes to see Webster bring his undeniable energy to the famous SCG pitch.

“He’s just been one of those star performers for Tasmania with the bat or ball, or in the field,” the Test skipper said at Thursday’s press conference.

“He always seems to have a big impact, quite aggressive. Can change the game, like we’ve seen Mitch Marsh or Travis Head or Alex Carey do in that middle order.

“He’s been great personality around the squad. Even day five in Melbourne, he’s itching to get on the field. It’s going to be awesome to see him debut.

“Really love what he’s brought to the squad so far.”

His selection is also massive for the state of Tasmania, who have struggled to produce Test players in recent years.

“To be selected for Australia is an incredible honour and achievement, and to be presented with a baggy green is the crowning moment of a player’s career,” state selector and former Test cricketer David Boon said.

“For Beau to be given this opportunity in such an important match in the series against India shows the belief the Australian selectors have in him and his ability, and I know that he will do our state proud.

“For any aspiring young Tasmanian, Beau’s selection shows that hard work, consistency, and a willingness to continue to improve will create positive results and that there is a pathway for Tasmanians to play on the biggest stage,”

With the hosts taking a 2-1 series lead in Melbourne but needing to win the series in order to claim the trophy against India, the debutant will have a vital role to play.