Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Tasmanian Beau Webster added to Australia squad as cover for Mitch Marsh

Tasmanian Beau Webster has been added to Australia’s squad for the second Test in Adelaide, heightening fears around the fitness of Mitch Marsh.

Webster, the Sheffield Shield’s best player last season, is expected to join the Australian team across the weekend.

It comes as concerns grow over Marsh’s availability. The West Australian all-rounder pulled up sore after the heavy defeat in The West Test and has been resting in Perth.

The squad for Adelaide will otherwise roll over from the first match of the series, with WA’s Josh Inglis to remain the reserve batter.

Webster steered Tasmania to a famous win over New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday, taking two late wickets to scupper the hosts’ hopes of a draw.

In a statement confirming Webster’s selection, Cricket Australia made no mention of Marsh’s availability.

Asked if Marsh was fully fit after the final day in Perth, Cummins said “it’s hard to say”.

“He is battling a couple of little niggles since the UK tour, so the main thing is he’s in there as one of the top six batters in the country and bowling is a bonus,” he said.

“He was a little bit sore towards the end of this Test match so the next 10 days are a chance to freshen up and try and get it right, we will see how he goes.

“Ideally he will be able to bowl in each Test match.”

If Webster plays, he would be the second batting debutant in as many matches after Nathan McSweeney broke a three-year drought which dated back to Will Pucovski’s first match.

In an interview with The West Australian, former Australian opener Simon Katich said Marsh’s position would come under the microscope if he wasn’t bowling significant overs.

“His role is as an all-rounder and that’s where they miss Cameron Green. Having the two of them obviously helps,” Katich said.

“If he is the sole all-rounder, which he is, then his bowling has got to back up day-in, day-out.”

Australia suffered a 295-run defeat in Perth, their seventh-heaviest ever on home soil.

Players have returned to their home States this week, with the squad set to regroup in Adelaide across the weekend.

Marnus Labuschagne has returned to Queensland’s training facility at Allan Border Field in Brisbane and trained with the fringe players of the State squad on Thursday.

The No.3 is expected to be batting for his future in the side in Adelaide.