The closest Beau Webster has ever come to setting foot on the hallowed turf of Lord’s was a quiet afternoon a couple of years ago, sipping beers with mates in the MCC Members Pavilion watching England play Ireland in a Test.
“I’ve asked a few of the lads around here what it’s like to play there and what the wicket’s like,” Webster says from the UK, where he has been playing county cricket for Warwickshire. “It’s the home of cricket. It’s one of those places you dream about.”
Six months ago, the all-rounder was chipping away in his 12th Sheffield Shield season with Tasmania, having privately accepted he might never be the owner of a Baggy Green.
The 31-year-old is now on the cusp of strapping on the pads at Lord’s – this time as a Test cricketer – as part of Australia’s XI for a World Test Championship final against South Africa.
“There’s no bigger game,” Webster said. “I’ll be stoked if that comes about.”
Sam Konstas’ blazing debut at the MCG may have grabbed headlines over summer, but Webster’s winning runs at the SCG the following week told a different kind of story: one of patience, perseverance and the hard work of a late bloomer.
Beau Webster hits the winning runs on Test debut against India at the SCG.Credit: Getty Images
Webster now has a Baggy Green, a Test half-century, and international wickets – of both the seam and spin variety. He sealed a Border-Gavaskar series, went to Sri Lanka on a maiden overseas Test tour, and picked up his first Cricket Australia contract in March – all part of a “whirlwind” few months.
Off the field, Webster married his long-time partner Maddy at Hobart’s Royal Botanical Gardens before jetting off to the UK to get some more red ball cricket in before the WTC final.
“I’m very, very proud of what I’ve done,” Webster said. “But it’s only the start and I’m looking to build on what I’ve started in the Baggy Green.
“It was a bit of a whirlwind. It all went so quickly and I do wish I had soaked it up a little bit more. To be out in the middle with Travis [Head] … was something I will never forget. To this day, [hitting the winning runs] was my favourite cricketing moment, without a doubt.
“I was also very proud to be able to jag a new CA deal. It’s something I probably never thought would happen for a lot of my career. It obviously puts a bit of confidence in me that I’m still in their plans going forward. I’ll be looking to try and repay the faith of selectors and play some more Test cricket for Australia.”
As it stands, there is a strong chance Webster will be included in Australia’s XI to face South Africa at Lord’s on June 11. He’s had a steady stint in the UK, with 172 runs at an average of 28.7 to go with 10 wickets at 27.8.
With Cameron Green not expected to resume bowling duties until the Australian summer, Webster’s all-round credentials play into his favour at the selection table.
Green has been in magnificent touch, plundering three centuries in five county championship matches for Gloucester to remind selectors of his value at the top of the order.
There is a scenario where Green and Webster slot into the same XI. The latter is certainly hoping so.
“He’s a generational talent and a phenomenal cricketer. He’s only going to get better,” Webster said of Green. “He’s only 25, so he’s got a lot of cricket ahead of him.
“I don’t really know what the make-up of the top six is going to look like or which way they’re going to go with in terms of all-rounders, but I’m certainly hoping we can both be in there.
“I like testing myself with the Dukes ball in different conditions. Hopefully, I can keep putting my name in front of selectors and become hard to drop out of that XI. That’s probably my main purpose coming over, to keep my game ticking over.”
Cameron Green celebrates his 150 in the first Test against New Zealand last year.Credit: Getty
If selectors go for the double-pronged option of Green and Webster, either Sam Konstas or Marnus Labuschagne are likely to miss out.
Labuschagne’s form for Glamorgan has been patchy, with scores of 0, 4 and 23.
Selectors have flagged that opening with Labuschagne is a live option.
“When he’s at his best, he’s unbelievable,” Webster said of Labuschagne. “His record speaks for itself. He’s a 100 maker and a game winner. I’m sure going to the top wouldn’t phase him too much. Whoever gets the nod for that final is going to be raring to go.”
Over the past few weeks, Webster has had time to reflect on the summer that was. He says he was more nervous joining Australia’s Test squad in Adelaide late last year than actually getting the nod for a debut in Sydney.
A solid first-class cricketer for Tasmania, Webster wasn’t sure he’d ever get a look-in for Australia.
A Mitch Marsh form slump ultimately opened the door for the man affectionately known as ‘Slug’ to be brought in for an SCG decider.
“In my mid-20s, I was pretty happy and resigned to the fact I could just be a really good cricketer for Tasmania. If the top level eluded me, I was pretty content with where I was at,” Webster said.
“We all dream of playing Test cricket. I thought the Australian Test cap was well and truly done. To my surprise I managed to spring a few good seasons together. When the stars do align, you’re not that far from the top level.”
All things going well, Webster also could be an important figure for Australia in their three-Test tour of the West Indies, which takes place after the WTC.
Cricket in the Caribbean? Webster just keeps ticking them off the bucket list.
“It’s a pretty magical place, the Caribbean,” Webster says. “You grow up watching all the great West Indians and to get over there … it will be unbelievable.”
