Both seam and spin: Beau Webster tipped for unique role in Sri Lanka

While a change to seam bowling in 2020 helped skyrocket Beau Webster’s First Class career en route to a Test debut, his ability to bowl off-spin could be utilised in Australia’s upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka.

The 202cm all-rounder looks set to be a valuable member of the side in Galle, with his middle-order batting and ability to bowl seam allowing selectors the option of picking just one specialist quick bowler as the Tasmanian could share the new ball duties.

If selectors do go that way, and pick a team with a bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy, SEN Cricket’s Bryce McGain thinks that Webster will bowl seam up early alongside Starc and then revert to his tweakers if called upon later in the innings.

It’s a unique skillset not often seen at the top level, with McGain’s prediction reminding Tom Morris of former Aussie cult heroes Colin Miller and Andrew Symonds who bowled both pace and spin at the international level.

“I think Beau Webster is going to play a key role again,” McGain told SEN Cricket.

“He did in the last Test in Sydney and over there, don’t be surprised if he’s taking the new ball then coming on second or third change and bowling off-spin from two metres tall.

“It’s going to be exciting.”

“It’s Colin ‘Funky’ Miller sort of stuff,” Morris added.

“Andrew Symonds never took the new ball, but he did bowl medium pace and off-spin for Australia.”

Webster’s role is just one of so many unanswered questions leading into the series and Morris listed a few of his that he’s looking forward to being answered.

“Sam Konstas, where does he bat, is he in the XI?” Morris asked.

“How does the rest of the top order shape up with Usman Khawaja, does Travis Head go to the top?

“We think Alex Carey will take the gloves, but does Josh Inglis come in as a specialist bat as well? We know how he sweeps.

“There’s so many unanswered questions.”

The two-Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia begins at 3:30 pm AEDT on Wednesday, listen to every ball LIVE on SEN and the SEN app.