I don't mind batting down the order: Marsh
Jan 16, 2017 - 3:46 AM Veteran Shaun Marsh is happy to bat down the order if national selectors opt to stick with in-form opener Matt Renshaw for the four-Test tour of India.Renshaw has made a sparkling start to his Test career, putting him in the box seat to retain his spot at the top of the order for the first Test against India, starting on February 23 in Pune.
Marsh is in a form slump, and is no guarantee to squeeze back into the Test XI.
But his previous hot form on the subcontinent means selectors could parachute him back into the opening position in place of Renshaw.
Marsh scored a majestic 130 in Sri Lanka in August, and he also has experience in India playing in ODIs and the IPL.
If Renshaw is given first crack at opening in India, Marsh's only hope of playing in the first Test is if he is slotted in down the order, even as low as No.6.
It's a situation Marsh would be comfortable with.
"It doesn't matter where they want to bat me. I'd be happy to bat anywhere," Marsh said on Monday.
"I'm sure they've got their ideas at the moment. I'll just prepare as well as I can and see which way they go.
Renshaw is averaging 63 after four Tests, and Marsh was impressed by the 20-year-old's hot start.
"It's exciting times to see a young guy come through like that for Australia," Marsh said.
The runs have dried up for Marsh since making his return from a broken finger last month.
In six knocks for the Scorchers, Marsh has scored 67 runs at an average of 11.
But he's confident a big score awaits, and he's hoping to produce the goods in Saturday's crunch clash with the Hurricanes in Hobart.
The Scorchers (4-3) will secure a finals berth with victory in that match.
But a loss is likely to see them miss the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's history.
"The confidence is there. It's got nothing to do with confidence at the moment," Marsh said of his slump.
"I just need to get a few away. And if I can do that, I'll be alright.
"It's been a bit frustrating the last couple of weeks. But I guess that's T20 cricket.
"I felt really good in the nets the last week or so. I know it's not far away."
Source: AAP
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