Despite making an impressive start to his Test career, including a match-winning performance on debut during last year\u2019s Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale, Webster was left out of Australia\u2019s starting XI for November\u2019s Ashes opener in Perth, with fellow all-rounder Cameron Green taking his spot at No. 6.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 32-year-old was also sidelined for the following two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide, with national selectors instead calling up reserve wicketkeeper Inglis, who posted scores of 23, 32 and 10 batting at No. 7.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Webster finally got a chance during the New Year\u2019s Ashes Test at the SCG, where he scored an unbeaten 71 and took three wickets with his part-time off spin.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAt the start I was surprised they went with Inglis ahead of Beau. With the selectors, I know they look very deeply into data with these things. There must have been something there; a metric and Inglis must have better numbers. But I can\u2019t figure out how they did that, to be honest,\" Ponting told SEN Tassie.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ponting suggested the decision was puzzling, especially given Webster\u2019s form and ability to offer greater balance to the side, and felt the selectors missed an opportunity by overlooking him throughout the Ashes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was surprised, but every time I see Beau play, he just continues to put forward a case as to why he should be in the side. Now we know an opportunity has come up at No. 5 with Usman Khawaja not there. I can\u2019t see any world in which Travis Head doesn\u2019t continue as opener, so maybe it\u2019s Beau\u2019s chance to grab that No. 5 spot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ponting suggested the decision was puzzling, especially given Webster\u2019s form and ability to offer greater balance to the side, and felt the selectors missed an opportunity by overlooking him throughout the Ashes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Last week, Webster had confessed he was \u201cdisappointed\u201d to miss selection for the first four Tests of the Ashes campaign.<\/p>\r\n\r\n