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Who Is Beau Webster: Australia has called up uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster to their squad for the five-Test series against India as a precautionary injury cover for Mitchell Marsh. Marsh, who bowled 17 overs during Australia's heavy 295-run defeat in the opening Test in Perth, experienced soreness afterward, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming day-night Test in Adelaide next week.

Webster's selection comes on the back of his impressive form in the Sheffield Shield for Tasmania and standout performances for Australia A against the Indian team before the Test series. Known for his versatility as an all-rounder, Webster’s inclusion strengthens Australia's options as they look to bounce back in the series.

India vs Australia Next Match: The second test starts at Adelaide Oval on Dec. 6.

India vs Australia Schedule

The team confirmed on Thursday that Webster would join the squad in Adelaide next week, highlighting his potential to step in should Marsh be unavailable for the crucial second Test.

"To get a few runs and wickets (for Australia A) was pleasing against a strong Indian side," Webster said. "Any time you're playing 'A' cricket, it's one step below Test level, so it does hold you in good stead. To get the call from 'Bails' (selector George Bailey) at the end of the NSW game was a really proud moment and I can't wait to get stuck in.

"There's a tight turnaround between the Adelaide and Gabba Test so I think (I'm there) just to have some cover there for that middle-order role, whichever way they go."

The tall 30-year-old, who until 2020 offered off-spin to supplement his batting, breathed new life into his career when he spent a COVID lockdown learning how to bowl medium pace.

Webster, who has scored 5,297 runs at an average of 37.83 and taken 148 wickets in first class cricket, was last year's Sheffield Shield player of the year.

Australia are already without another regular all-rounder in Cameron Green, who was ruled out of the India series after opting to have surgery on a stress fracture in his lumbar spine.

Australia squad for second Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

Inputs from Reuters