Beau Webster would “love to be the man” if the Australian selectors come knocking for an all-rounder during the Test series against India.
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Despite being overlooked in the squad for Perth as Josh Inglis took the reserve batting spot, Webster said he felt like he was in the selection mix for the home summer and following two-match series against Sri Lanka next year.
The 29-year-old, who scored 938 runs and took 30 wickets in a stunning Sheffield Shield campaign last season, said his communication with the national selectors had been minimal, but he was hungrier than ever for higher honours after playing an important role in Australia A’s 2-0 series win over India A.
“To get a couple of wins and perform not too badly, it was a good couple of weeks. It was really enjoyable just to play with a different set of guys, and keep learning,” Webster said.
“George (Bailey) was obviously around at the second game, and Doders (Tony Dodemaide) was up in Mackay.
“But not too many chats around selection. I think it’s pretty obvious outside of the opening debate … there’s not really a spot there for me at the moment, with Mitch Marsh playing really good cricket in that all-rounder role.
“If a spot does happen to open up, whether it be through injury or if he needs a chop-out or something like that, I’d love to be the man that gets the nod.”
Webster’s ability to switch between medium pace and finger spin could put him in the frame for selection against Sri Lanka even if he was unable to break into the Test side during the India series.
“The top three might be asking a different question, but definitely that middle-order role and being asked to chip in with a few overs as well, I could do a job there if that was to open up,” he said.
“Who knows what they’re going to do with that tour (of Sri Lanka)? I think if you’re on the fringe of the squad … you think you might be a chance.
“But at the moment, I’m looking forward to keep putting some performances on the board where I may get selected in one of these Border-Gavaskar Test matches.
“I’m definitely more hungry (after the Australia A games), and hopefully I can continue what I’ve been doing.”
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