Australia all-rounder Beau Webster bowled a fine spell for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield clash against South Africa. He racked up five scalps for just 50 runs as South Australia got bundled out for just 177 runs in their first innings. With this spell, he sent a clear message to the England batters ahead of the first Ashes Test that is set to commence from November 21 at the Optus stadium in Perth.
Big competition between Webster and Green
Though Webster has been included in Australia's 15-member squad for the first Test of the five-match series against England, there is no guarantee as to if he will make it to the playing XI. This is due to the fact that Cameron Green has also resumed bowling in the Sheffield Shield after a six week break due to side soreness. He also picked up an early wicket for West Australia, proving that he is fit to bowl. It remains to be seen which one of the two all-rounders will make it to the XI for the series opener.
Webster impresses with the ball, fails with the bat
Coming back to Webster, he got dismissed for only 13 runs in Tasmania's first innings but made a great impression with the ball and racked up crucial wickets for the side. He first got the massive wicket of Travis Head for just 9 runs before dismissing Liam Scott for a single. He then sent Jake Lehmann back to the pavilion for 27 runs before dismissing tailenders Nathan McAndrew and Brendan Doggett for cheap.
Alongside Webster, the pace duo of Jackson Bird and Gabe Bell also contributed well in the bowling department for Tasmania, racking up three and two scalps respectively. On the other hand, Alex Carey was the top performer for South Australia with the bat, scoring 59 runs.
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However, Webster failed to deliver with the bat in the second innings as well and got dismissed for just eight runs as Tasmania wrap;ped up the day on 177/9, leading South Australia by 209 runs. It remains to be seen if the all-rounder will be able to bowl another fiery spell in the final innings of the game.