Australian all-rounder Beau Webster will miss Tasmania`s first Sheffield Shield match of the season against Queensland due to an ankle injury. Fortunately, the injury is not deemed serious.
Webster`s condition will be re-evaluated before Thursday`s One-Day Cup game against Queensland. The second round of the Sheffield Shield, where Tasmania is set to play Western Australia in Hobart, begins on October 15.
Before the Ashes series, Webster had intended to play in all four of Tasmania`s Shield matches. Despite an impressive start to his Test career, including four half-centuries in seven challenging batting performances, there is speculation that his position might be contested upon England`s arrival.
Cameron Green is anticipated to resume full bowling duties by that time. Depending on other players vying for top-order spots, Green might be shifted down the batting order, although he has also been supported as a potential long-term No. 3 batsman.
Should Green maintain his strong position, as seen against West Indies, it is likely that both he and Webster could feature in the same playing XI.
Commenting on the situation before the season, Webster shared, “A recurring topic is Greeny`s return to bowling, which, I believe, initially opened up my opportunity as he was batting-only. He, alongside Mitch [Marsh], had been an all-rounder for Australia for years. My answer remains that I`d love to see both of us in the team. If you`re scoring runs in the top six for Australia and can bowl, it`s a definite advantage.”
He added, “I would absolutely cherish playing in a team with Greeny. He`s an outstanding batsman. I truly hope he excels at the top of the order, allowing me to remain at No. 6, so we can both contribute with the ball and in the field, helping Australia secure victories.”
Webster began his domestic season impressively, taking five wickets across two One-Day Cup matches and scoring 81 runs off 95 balls in the second game against Victoria.
