Mike Hussey Backs the Selection of Shaun Marsh for the first Two Test
Nov 17, 2017 at 3:02 PM
Former Aussie international Mike Hussey has supported Shaun Marsh’s selection for the no six spot for the first Magellan Ashes Test match starting from November 23 at Gabba. The selection panel headed by Trevor Hohns received much criticism after picking the veteran left-handed batsman. However, Hussey feels that the experienced Western Australia cricketer deserved a spot in the first XI.
“If you ask any first-class player around the country if Shaun Marsh is playing at his best, he’s in the best six batsmen in the country. And he is playing at his best at the moment. His body is good, so why wouldn’t you go for the best?” Hussey was heard while talking to Unplayable Podcast.
This is the eighth time left-handed Marsh has been recalled for the national Test team, with injury and inconsistency limiting him to play only 23 Test in six years. However, Hussey feels it is wrong not to pick him in the squad.
“There’s no point saying we don’t want to pick him because we’re worried he might get injured. Well, he might not. We’re worried he’s had seven chances in the past. That doesn’t mean he’s not going to take his chance this time,” the 42-year-old Hussey further stated.
Showered with criticism, Marsh had a wonderful domestic one-day season scoring 412 runs with an average of 82.40. He also scored three half-centuries in the six innings he has featured in the Sheffield Shield. He even dominated a star-studded New South Wales bowling attack to play a magnificent knock of 91 runs earlier this month. He also received support from Justin Langer terming that Marsh is in his best form ever.
“I personally actually think it’s a good selection and I also think he’s at a stage in his career … I know it’s such a huge series, but I think he knows his game so much better now. He’ll be comfortable in his own skin; he’ll have the experience to be able to handle the situation a lot better than perhaps he has done in the past,” one of the best finisher of the game of cricket signed off.
Australia squad for first two Ashes Tests: David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers.