BEAU Webster absolutely thinks he should be in Australia’s XI for the first Ashes Test in Perth despite conceding he could be squeezed out of the side.<\/p>\n
Webster admitted he’d probably lose his spot in the team if selectors viewed him as just a middle-order batsman instead of an all-round option.<\/p>\n
While that is a way things could play out, there’s also every chance that selectors pick Webster as a sole all-rounder if Cameron Green isn’t available to bowl, or even go with both if they want two extra bowling options for the opening Test.<\/p>\n
If Webster himself were picking the team, he’d certainly be there as he feels he has plenty to contribute at Optus Stadium.<\/p>\n
“There were a few grabs that came out of it saying I think I’m going to be squeezed out,” Webster said on SEN.<\/p>\n
“But I think if you watch the whole interview, I said, ‘I think I’ve got a lot to contribute to that top six and hopefully I do get the chance in Perth’.<\/p>\n
“First and foremost, absolutely (I think I should be in the team), the make-up is a little bit cloudy at the moment, but I’m doing everything I can to try and saddle up for that first Test in a few weeks.<\/p>\n
“If I were picking the team, I’d certainly be there, but that’s not the luxury the players have. We’ll see what unfolds in the next couple of days with the squad, and then the XI we won’t find out until the day before probably.”<\/p>\n
While the squad announcement is imminent, Webster is trying to simply focus on what’s ahead of him with Tassie.<\/p>\n
“I try not to (think about it), to be honest,” Webster said.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got a bit of cricket on with Tasmania at the moment. I think if I start drifting into the future a little bit, I’ll stumble on what’s in front of me.<\/p>\n
If Green is available to bowl big overs, Webster also can’t see an issue playing alongside the West Australian as another all-rounder, with Green at three and himself at six.<\/p>\n
“Absolutely, I think so (we can both play). We played on the same team together once before, although he wasn’t bowling at that point,” Webster said.<\/p>\n
“If the selectors think we are both in the best six batters and can contribute with the ball also, it feels like it’s an added bonus to have another bowling option to me.<\/p>\n
“I certainly think we can both play, and the fact that he’s bowling, if they do like him at three, and think he’s a long-term number three, then it’s going to be great to have us both on the team hopefully.<\/p>\n
“I’m always under the impression the more (bowling) options the better, and if we get another guy who can bowl in that top six, it can give the big quicks a bit more of a rest.<\/p>\n
“I’m certainly hoping, if he is back fit and firing, I can still hold number six, and we can both share some overs there.”<\/p>\n
The first Test between Australia and England begins on November 21 at Optus Stadium.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BEAU Webster absolutely thinks he should be in Australia’s XI for the first Ashes Test in Perth despite conceding he could be squeezed out of the side. Webster admitted he’d probably lose his spot in the team if selectors viewed him as just a middle-order batsman instead of an all-round option. While that is a […]<\/p>\n