Skipper Pat Cummins on Thursday (January 2) announced Australia’s playing XI for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, starting January 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Cummins confirmed that Mitchell Starc will feature in the line-up. Notably, the left-arm quick visibly struggled in the later stages of the Boxing Day at MCG, which Australia won by 184 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
The Australian team management sent Starc for precautionary scans on Wednesday (December 1), which they described as "normal procedure."
Despite concerns over his fitness, Cummins dismissed any suggestion of Starc being rested in Sydney, stating, "He was never going to miss this one."
The hosts have also decided to drop struggling all-rounder Mitch Marsh for the series-decider, and hand Beau Webster his debut Test cap.
Marsh struggled with both bat and ball, scoring just 73 runs in four Tests and bowling only 16 wicketless overs since returning from a back issue in the opening Test at Perth.
"Mitchy obviously hasn't quite got the runs or wickets he would have liked this series and felt like it was time for a freshen up," said Cummins. "Beau's been with the squad and been great. It's a shame for Mitchy, but we feel like now is a good time for Beau to get a chance."
A win or draw in Sydney would secure Australia's first BGT title win since 2014-15 and seal their spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June 2025.
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins showered rich praise on Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, acknowledging his exceptional form and consistent ability to trouble batters across all formats.
Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the series, claiming 30 scalps from four Tests at a remarkable average of 12.83.
"Bumrah is bowling well at the moment. He is always tough," Cummins told reporters. "Hopefully, by the time I come in, late in the day, he has bowled quite a bit, which might make it a bit easier for me. But he is bowling well. I’ve faced him quite a bit across the world in different formats, and he always poses a challenge."
In a lighthearted comment, the Australian captain added, "Last game, it helped as I was at the non-striker’s end. That certainly helped [laugh]."
Australia XI for Sydney Test: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
