Shaun Marsh likely to return for Boxing Day Test – Cricket News Update
Australian left-hander, Shaun Marsh is expected to play in the opening Test against the Indians provided that he features in one of the two tour matches against Men In Blue.
Before the Boxing Day showdown between the two heavy weights, the tourists will play two practice games, which will allow them to get fully accustomed to the conditions in Down Under. For that, the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman have been travelling
to Australia in advance.
The Indians will take on Cricket Australia Chairman’s XI team in a two-day game from Dec 15, before playing the same opposition in a three-day clash from 19th of December.
Marsh, who has been suffering from a back injury, has not featured for the national team since the appalling first Test defeat against South Africa. However, the left-hander’s recovery is on course, which could see him being available for the first Test
at Melbourne.
With the KFC Big Bash league commencing from December 16, it gives no time for the player to play in any first-class matches, and therefore Alex Kountouris feels that the 28-year-old must gear up for the Test series by playing one of the practice games.
"Marsh had a run and is due to bat later this week as part of his programme to try to get up for Boxing Day and probably play one of the Chairman's XI games," Alex Kountouris, the Australian physio said in Hobart on Wednesday.
With injuries to Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson and Patrick Cummins, the hosts could field in another young team, however will want Marsh to get in contention for the first Test against India.
While Usman Khawaja has been filling the role of the No.3 batter, it is expected that if fit, Marsh will coolly slot in that position. This again then could leave the opening spot up for grabs with David Warner and Phil Hughes both looking to cement their
place.
Warner had a poor debut Test against New Zealand, while Huhges technique was easily exploited by the Kiwi bowlers. If Watson is deemed fit to play, this will then lead the Australian management to tinker witht their composition ahead of an important summer.