Aussies planning to use Beau Webster as a spinner in first Test against Sri Lanka

Allrounder Beau Webster is preparing to give Australian another spin option in the first Test against Sri Lanka, beginning on Wednesday.

The full Australian squad are in Galle and preparations are already in place for what is expected to be a wicket that provides plenty of turn.

LIVE AND FREE Watch Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka on Seven and 7plus Sport

Webster gave the Aussies an extra pace option when he made his debut in the fifth Test against India earlier this month, but looks set to revert to the off-spin he bowled earlier in his career.

The 31-year-old bowled right-arm off-spinners during Australia’s training session on Sunday and his versatility is looming as a major trump card for the tourists.

The flexibility gives Australia multiple options for their bowling attack.

They could play just one seamer with Webster to pitch in with his medium pace, or pick two fast bowlers and Webster be used as a spinner.

Former Test spinner Bryce McGain predicted he could even bowl both.

“Don’t be surprised if he’s taking the new ball then coming on second or third change and bowling off-spin from two metres tall. It’s going to be exciting,” he said on SEN.

Meanwhile, Australia’s premier left-arm off-spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is now pain-free after wearing a ball on his non-bowling hand playing for the Big Bash League’s Brisbane Heat earlier this month.

He feared his thumb injury could have ended his tour before it began, but both he and Steve Smith trained strongly.

Kuhnemann reunited with the squad in Sri Lanka at the weekend and completed Sunday afternoon’s first full session since arriving on the island for the two-match series.

Stand-in captain Smith, who suffered a minor elbow injury in the BBL, spent as much time batting in the nets as anyone else and did not appear hampered.

Every team member attended the optional session, with conditions so humid that top-order option Sam Konstas removed his helmet to finish batting in the nets.

Kuhnemann is continuing to wear a brace on his right thumb and medical staff will monitor him.

His injury appeared more serious than Smith’s, but Kuhnemann feels fit ahead of the first Test that begins on January 29.

“I had a couple of sessions back home and I was obviously cautious batting and fielding and everything but bowling, I haven’t had a problem whatsoever,” Kuhnemann said prior to the first training session.

“I did this same thumb a couple of years ago and it was real painful but this one has been fine from the get-go.”

As he awaited surgery, Kuhnemann said he was unsure whether he would have the chance to add to his three Test caps in Sri Lanka.

The 28-year-old needed to wait patiently for a debut when Australia toured India in 2023, and the lack of subcontinent visits since had robbed him of further chances.

“Definitely there were times when I was disappointed. It’s not great timing,” Kuhnemann said when asked whether he feared for his ability to tour.

“There was a couple of hours.

“But I believe everything happens for a reason and you sort of move on. Obviously you do everything you can because these tours don’t come around very often as a spinner.”

LIVE AND FREE Watch Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka on Seven and 7plus Sport

Kuhnemann could not attend the squad’s preparatory camp at the ICC Academy in Dubai but managed a hit-out with a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions at Allan Border Field last week.

“The boys said I didn’t miss out on too much and what I was bowling on back in Brisbane was an eight-day old wicket so it worked out pretty good,” Kuhnemann said.

“If it was the off-season then maybe it would be a blow to miss Dubai but we’re in the middle of summer and the workloads and confidence are high. Everything is all good.”

- With AAP