Australian cricket star Beau Webster’s parents have gone viral following a public call to arms to look after their dogs ahead of the all-rounder’s Test debut against India at the SCG.
Webster, 31, is a direct swap in the XI for Mitch Marsh, and his call-up caught his parents off guard in Tasmania.
In a Facebook post on the West Hobart Good Karma Network page, a friend of Tina and Rod Webster posted on their behalf asking for someone to house-sit in Mount Nelson and look after the family’s two dogs.
“Unlikely, but is there anyone available to look after the house starting tonight, for 4 or 5 nights?” the post said.
‘Until at least Tuesday next week, possibly a few more days after that. I would be looking after 2 dogs based in Mount Nelson.
‘A friend’s son has been selected for the Australian cricket team!! So he leaves for Sydney on very short notice.
Australian cricket star Beau Webster’s parents, Tina and Rod (pictured along with their son), have gone viral following a call to arms ahead of the all-rounder’s Test debut against India at the SCG on Friday.
Pictured: Facebook post asking if anyone can house-sit in Mount Nelson and look after the family’s two dogs.
Webster, 31, will become the country’s 469th Test player as he replaces Mitch Marsh.
The publication was also shared on X – and cricket fans loved it.
“I hope someone came through. I’m surprised the old man didn’t put the Labradors on the plane with him,” one said in response.
Another stated: “That’s amazing.”
A third cheekily chimed in: “Mitch Marsh is free.”
Webster will become the country’s 469th Test player at the SCG on Friday as the Australians look to claim the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
As of March 2022, Webster averaged 29.54 in first-class cricket, having moved up and down the Tasmanian batting order while also bowling part-time.
But after a breakthrough 164no against Queensland in the final round of the 2021-22 Sheffield Shield season, Webster’s career has changed.
The consistency has continued, with Webster averaging 57.10 in first-class cricket, as well as doubling his career tally of centuries and half-centuries.
“To some it probably feels like an overnight success,” Tasmanian coach Jeff Vaughan said.
“But he has been playing first-class cricket for almost a decade.”
The 31-year-old’s journey to a loose green is one of the most unique in Australian cricket this century.
Since 2000, only Bryce McGain has debuted for Australia at an older age in Test cricket without having played against a white-ball international in his 20s.
Webster’s decision to turn to medium-pace bowling during COVID and make use of his two-metre frame has also been crucial as he can support Australia’s fast trio against India.
But captain Pat Cummins pointed out that Webster had earned his place in the Test on the basis of his batting, after topping the Shield run-scoring charts last summer.
“Once players get to a certain age, they’ve gone through all their trials, errors and mistakes from a technical standpoint,” Vaughan said.
He has worked very hard during the trip. You have to understand your own technique and know that you are unique. But he has absolute faith in the way he plays.”
Webster’s all-round bowling is shaping up to be a useful asset for Australia in Sri Lanka next month, while the team’s transition means there could be room for both him and Cameron Green in the team going forward.
“He still has six or seven good years ahead of him and a pretty impressive international career with opportunities and support at that level,” Vaughan said.
“I have no doubt he can succeed. “It’s not about him trying to find his way in first-class cricket, but he’s really mastering it.”
‘So we are neither hopeful nor insecure. “He is absolutely the dominant player at our level and absolutely deserves a chance.”