The former opening batsman for Australia and now Western Australia coach Justin Langer believes selectors in Cricket Australia (CA) could consider Shaun Marsh for the upcoming Ashes 2017-18 Test series against England, to stabilise and strengthen the batting line-up.
“I’ve never seen him bat as well as he’s batting at the moment,” Langer was quoted as saying by AAP.
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The 46-year-old Western Australia-born batsman Langer urges the Board to pick the Narrogin-based batsman after the stellar run in the recently concluded JLT One-day Cup.
The Test specialist Langer, who was the prominent figure for Australia at the top after making his international debut in January 1993, reiterated the Test recall could play a pivotal role in the Australian set-up.
“I’ve known Shaun since he was a little kid,” Langer maintained.
Pertinently, the top-order batsman Marsh helped his side Western Australia to lift the trophy after thumping victory by six wickets over arch-rival South Australia in Hobart on Saturday (October 21).
Marching into the staggering numbers, Marsh amassed 412 runs at an average of 82 for Western Australia as the side was led by his younger brother Mitchell Marsh, who was announced Man of the Final after scoring run-a-ball 80 in a day and night fixture.
Averaged 50.23 in the first-class setup, Langer added Marsh could bolster the batting line-up of Australia.
Langer, who averaged 45.67 in Test format during his career between 1993 and 2007, remarked that he is keenly waiting for the upcoming Ashes.
However, Steven Smith-led Australian would be eyeing to replicate their performance of 2013-14 series at home when Kangaroos whitewashed England 5-0 following the stellar show from Mitchell Johnson, who bagged 37 wickets during the then five-match series.
“I’m looking forward to seeing that contest leading into The Ashes and see who’s going to grab hold of that position,” Langer maintained.
Marsh played an imperative role for the Warriors which further saw him posting 32 off 41 balls as his innings included five boundaries.
Langer reflected batsmen who would be able to cross the triple-figure mark should be asked to bat at number six spot which has grabbed the headlines in the Australia.
“Whether it’s Shaun or Mitch or any of the guys around Australia, the guy who can get Test hundreds should be batting at six,” Langer further added.
Langer, who featured in eight ODIs expects one of the Marsh brothers might find a place in the hosts’ squad which is scheduled to be announced in November.
“But I hope it’s one of them,” Langer concluded.
Shaun would fixture in the six-team tournament as the Sheffield Shield will kick-off from October 26.
Marsh featured in 23 Tests for Australia, as he scored 1,476 runs at an average of 36. He smashed four-hundred and seven fifties after making his debut in 2008.