Webster has taken a philosophical view, even though his impressive Test batting and bowling averages of 34.63 and 23.25 respectively would normally be enough to stay in any side.
“It’s funny, considering we do completely different roles in the team, but that’s just the way this summer has shaped up,” Webster said. “I’m a Tassie boy at heart and I want him to do well for our state and get us into good positions. Equally, I want him to do well and get a Test cap because I think he’s played well the last 12 to 18 months and he really deserves to be where he is now.
“Obviously, I want to play, no doubt about it. If it’s at the expense of him playing, it is what it is. I’ll be trying to fight for a spot.”
Josh Hazlewood’s hamstring injury, which has ruled him out of the first Test, has given rise to another left-field scenario: could Australia pick Weatherald to open, squeeze in both Green and Webster but omit Brendan Doggett, the third frontline quick?
That would leave just Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon as specialist bowlers, with Green and Webster to lighten the load in return for a beefed-up batting order with Alex Carey at No.8.
“To be honest, I would have no idea,” Weatherald said. “I hadn’t even thought about that, to be honest. Whatever they go with, I’m sure it’ll be successful.”
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Webster admits he has been more absorbed in the selection debate than he’d like to be. He hears the scenarios. He knows people are talking about him in pubs, whereas this time last year he was just a Sheffield Shield toiler.
“I’ve tried to put it out of my mind a little bit … and not let it consume me too much,” Webster said. “It’s been a nice couple of weeks now where I’ve stopped reading so much. I feel like I’m in a really good headspace and batting and bowling well.
“I’ve never experienced a build-up like this in anything. Having your spot in the XI questioned is another kettle of fish altogether. At the start of the summer, I was probably holding on a little bit too tight, thinking I’ve got to do this or that. Thrilled for him to be here and if he gets the nod, I’ll be very happy.”
When Weatherald arrived in Perth on Sunday, he visited his father in Fremantle. His wife, Rachel, will be at the Test regardless, but the scramble to sort out tickets for family and friends has been handed to his manager.
Weatherald doesn’t care if he gets the green light on Tuesday or a minute before Steve Smith tosses the coin on Friday.
“You just prepare like you’re playing,” Weatherald said. “Whatever happens happens. I’m just happy to be there.”
Is he feeling the pressure to make early runs?
“I think there’s always pressure to do well, especially when you’re playing for your country,” Weatherald said. “I can’t control how many runs I make and how well I do, but I can control how much I enjoy it and go out there and compete.”
