Marsh to Make Test Debut

With Shaun Marsh set to debut in the second test are we beginning to see a changing of the guard? This series has already seen three relatively new faces take to the field and with the addition of a fourth it would appear that the side is truly ready to succeed at the highest level with new blood.

Marsh has been in and out of the limited overs setup frequently over the previous two years and finally gets his chance in the baggy green while Ricky Ponting returns home for the birth of his second child. His T20 expertise is undoubted with 2139 runs at an average of 42.78. He is surely a proven run scorer. Marsh has had some excellent seasons in the longest format of the game but other seasons have seen him fall short of his potential. Despite these intermittent failures one can surely trust he will step up when necessary.

The adaptability of Marsh's game would appear to make him perfect for the role at number six. Strangely it will be Khawaja left as the final specialist batsman in the order with Marsh set to come in at first drop. On the flip side Marsh will enjoy the chance to face a newer ball coming onto the bat as he has done far more regularly when playing his first class cricket for Western Australia. If Marsh gets himself in there's certainly potential for a pyrotechnics display similar to the ones we've seen him provide in the IPL.

With the obvious exception of Watson at the top of the order it could be said that the Australian batting lineup has become very 'proper' in their approach. Illustrated by the tendency of the top order batsman to edge out pushing forward defensively during the last Ashes where a full blooded shot or leave would have been far better. Marsh therefore with his attacking pedigree could just be the spark needed to push Australia's good starts into huge and imposing totals. Marsh's proven ability to score big runs at a fast rate is perfectly illustrated by his statistics in the shortest form of the game. His ability to take the bowlers on and his attacking mindset are perfect for a team that needs a kick to set the tone for it's innings.

With the Australian batting line up falling into place nicely all looks up for the side in their quest to return to number one in world cricket. The youngest additions to side, Marsh, Khawaja, Lyon and Copeland all appear capable to make it at the highest level. Only time will tell now if Australia will once again be top of the pile. For now the number 3 position sits in the hands of a young Shaun Marsh.