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📻 IMPORTANT AUCKLAND UPDATE 📻
Why Fleming has 'a lot of confidence' in Webster
Nicholas Quinlan • January 7th, 2026 9:54 pm
Damien Fleming has sung the praises of Beau Webster’s ability with the bat and the ball following an outstanding performance on Day 4 in the Fifth Ashes Test at the SCG.
The Tasmanian, who was reselected into the Test side for the first time since the West Indies tour last year, has certainly made the most of the opportunity.
Having started the day with the bat alongside Steve Smith, the 32-year-old would add to his overnight score of 42 with another 29 runs to his total to reach 71 not out, which was one run off his highest Test innings.
And with the ball, Webster broke the game in Australia’s favour in the space of three balls.
During the 51st over, he took the wickets of Harry Brook and Will Jacks with his off breaks to help limit England's ability to extend their innings lead.
He would also snare the wicket of Ben Stokes, with the captain being dismissed for just one run, having looked limited in his movement after getting an adductor injury earlier in the day.
Reflecting on his performance for the day, the former fast bowler was very pleased by Webster, who has become a consistent performer in the Australian set-up when called upon.
“It’s another (performance) where we can say, Beau is a banker,” Fleming said on SEN Cricket.
“He knows his game so well, particularly with his batting.
“It just looks risk-free. It’s not as exhilarating as watching a Travis Head smash the ball around.
“But I’ve got a lot of confidence when he’s out there batting, ball in hand with the medium pace. The off-spin I like a lot more in the right conditions.
“In the field, love him the field.
“So, he is a very good all-around player.”
Day 5 of the Fifth Ashes Test gets underway from 10am AEDT.
SEN’s coverage of the day’s play will begin from 8am with The New Ball before moving into its match coverage from 9am.
That can be heard on our radio network and on the SEN app.
