Australia batsman Shaun Marsh is determined to make his opportunity count after admitting the Ashes might well be his final chance to cement a permanent spot in the Australian Test team.
Marsh has played 23 Tests so far in his career since making his debut in 2011. He was one of the surprise picks in the Australian squad which was named on Friday.
Marsh showed some impressive form with the bat for Western Australia in the Shield Games, but he is aware of the fact that failing in the biggest stage could well end his Test career prematurely.
“I’m not trying to think about it that way, it’s another opportunity for me to get out there and play some good cricket for Australia,” said Marsh.
The southpaw who averages 36 in Tests further added,
“I know I’ve got some runs in me still to go, so I’ve just got to prepare well and just enjoy it, have a lot of fun and bat myself in.” Marsh usually opens the batting for his state but for the Test series he is expected to bat at No. 6, especially to counter the 2nd new ball.
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Marsh was picked for all the four Tests against India early in the year, but he got dropped from the following Test series against Bangladesh which came as a surprise, as he was considered as a subcontinent specialist batsman.
However, his recall didn’t surprise many, as was the case with Tim Paine who last played Test cricket for Australia six years ago.
“It’s just excitement,” Marsh added. “I hadn’t really thought about it much over the last two or three of months. I just thought if I played good cricket for WA then I might have a sniff. I just can’t wait to get out there and have a crack. An Ashes series in Australia, it doesn’t get any better than that, I’m going to give it a red hot crack.”
Marsh’s career has been marred by injuries but conceded he was in good shape going into the Ashes starting from 23rd November.
“My body’s in really good condition at the moment,” he said. “I feel like I’m hitting the ball the best I have done for a long while so I’ll go in with plenty of confidence,” Marsh concluded.
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