- Mitch Marsh finally dropped for SCG Test against India
- Marsh has been replaced by Tasmanian Beau Webster
All-rounder Mitch Marsh was dropped for Australia's SCG final against India, giving Tasmanian Beau Webster a Test debut.
Star quick Mitchell Starc has been named for the fifth and final match of the Border-Gavaskar series despite suffering rib pain at the MCG.
The 34-year-old underwent scans on Wednesday but was cleared to take his place in a bowling line-up alongside captain Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon.
The addition of Starc meant Australia needed more bowling options, and Webster provided the versatility to reduce pace and spin.
Marsh had only been called on for 13 overs in the last three Tests, and his pace looked very low while he was wicketless.
The 33-year-old suffered back problems after the first Test in Perth, but the Australian management has since insisted there are no health concerns for him.
Mitch Marsh (pictured) has been dropped for Australia's SCG final against India
Beau Webster (pictured) has been the in-form all-rounder in the Sheffield Shield over the past few seasons.
But Marsh's problems with the bat – posting scores of 9, 5, 4, 2 and 0 in his last five innings – meant he was in trouble.
More than an hour after the epic finale at the MCG on Monday, Marsh took to the field with two members of his family and took photographs, apparently knowing he could have played his final Test.
Webster has averaged 57.1 in first-class cricket since March 2022, also taking 81 wickets at 31.7.
Last year, the 31-year-old became the first West Indies legend since Sir Garfield Sobers to score 900 runs and take 30 wickets in a Sheffield Shield season.
It will be the second Test in a row that Australia has selected a premiership player, following Sam Konstas' memorable debut on Boxing Day.
Australia will regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy for the first time since 2014-15 if they win or draw the New Year's Test.
Marsh's difficulties with the bat (taking scores of 9, 5, 4, 2 and 0 in his last five innings) meant he was unlikely to lose his place in the team (pictured with wife Greta).
An India victory and a series tied 2-2 would allow the tourists to retain the trophy, emerging with the spoils for a record fifth consecutive time.
A win at the SCG would book Australia's place in a second successive World Test Championship final, after beating India in the 2023 decider.
South Africa became the first team to qualify for the WTC final at Lord's next year, winning a dramatic home match against Pakistan on Sunday.