Beau Webster sees himself as a “problem-solver” at the crease, an approach he and Australia might need in the impending Test against South Africa in Durban. Fellow all-rounder Cameron Green is in doubt due to an abdominal strain suffered during the last ODI in Potchefstroom.
On Thursday, while the JB Marks Oval was tidied after the previous night’s chilly conclusion to the ODI series, Australia’s focus shifted to Test preparations. However, the day’s key updates took a while to emerge. Webster and Marnus Labuschagne were the only batsmen practising outdoors, as the nets were unsuitable for facing pace.
By the afternoon, it was clear that Green’s availability was under threat, though there’s hope he’ll recover. It was also confirmed that Josh Inglis, nursing a fractured finger, would miss the opening Test at Kingsmead. Subsequently, Sam Harper and the unexpected Nic Maddinson were called to join the tour, alongside Cooper Connolly as a spare batsman.
Losing Green as a bowler would affect Australia, even more so if he cannot play at all, given his strong performance against Bangladesh last month. Webster, who filled in as a substitute fielder during the final ODI, offers another seam-bowling all-rounder option with Green, and can deliver some useful off-spin. Despite a lean series in Bangladesh, he is prepared for any opportunity that might arise from Green’s situation.
“We obviously want Cameron out at 100% capacity, he’s fantastic and coming off a great series up in Darwin and Mackay, so hopefully he’s here with all guns blazing,” Webster commented before the two-day warm-up match in Potchefstroom. “I’m just trying to get myself ready, and get myself at a point ready to go when we turn up to Durban in that first Test. Whether or not I play, it’s not up to me, but I’m doing everything I can to be ready and make sure I can contribute.”
Webster’s performance against Bangladesh drew scrutiny after a solid start to his Test career. He has yet to score a century but has hit five fifties in his first 13 innings in challenging conditions.
“I would have liked some runs up there, no doubt,” he admitted. “When you play for Australia, you want to contribute and get big scores, and it wasn’t to be for me. I had three hits and three failures, so that’s the way the game goes.”
Still confident in his form, Webster recently played some one-day matches for Tasmania, finding rhythm and maintaining high spirits. “Confidence is still high. I feel like I’ve got plenty to add to this group, and hopefully in these three Tests I can do well,” said Webster.
After making his debut half-century on a challenging pitch against India in 2025, his highest score of 72 came during the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, followed by consistent performances against the West Indies. Although unfamiliar with South African conditions, his experience in a T10 league in Zimbabwe offers some insight.
“From a batting point of view, I’d definitely like a nice [pitch] where it’s not seaming around too much, but it is what it is,” he said. “I pride myself on a bit of problem-solving, I suppose, and being able to adapt.”
Having debuted at 31, Webster believes his age helps him manage the ups and downs of international cricket. “I think the more experience you have, the better you deal with little speed bumps,” Webster said. Reflecting on his stint with Warwickshire and a strong Test outing against England, he remains optimistic about upcoming matches. “So, just being able to stay nice and level-headed and make sure that you leave what’s done as done in those three hits. I’m looking forward to getting out there.”
