Shaun Marsh pips friend for Ashes berth
Nov 17, 2017 - 4:33 PM Ashes-bound veteran Shaun Marsh says he feels for Hilton Cartwright after pipping his WA teammate to Australia's No.6 batting spot.Marsh was a selection surprise when Australia named its 13-man Ashes squad on Friday.
He beat the likes of Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell, Jake Lehmann, Travis Head, and Marcus Stoinis for the spot.
Cartwright played two Tests for Australia earlier this year, and was in the box seat to be picked at No.6 until a pair of ducks against NSW in a recent Sheffield Shield match cruelled his chances.
Marsh said it was a hard situation knowing he had beaten a friend for the Ashes berth.
"Obviously it's tough. I feel for Hilts," Marsh said.
"He's a teammate, he's a mate. I'm sure he'll bounce back really strong.
"He's got a long career for Australia in front of him. I'm sure he'll get back in there at some stage."
Marsh has been recalled to the Test XI eight times during his stop-start career.
And he knows that at 34 years of age, he won't get back into the squad again if his latest chance is spurned by injury or poor form.
"I'm probably aware of that," Marsh said.
"It's not bothering me. I just want to go there and give it a real good crack.
"I'm hitting the ball well, I'm feeling really confident.
"I'm not putting too much pressure on myself, and it seems to be working.
"I've been on tour to England with an Ashes series, so I know how big that series is.
"Hopefully I can bring some experience there and try to stay nice and relaxed and just have a bit of fun."
Marsh has played just 23 Tests since making his debut in 2011.
Despite entering the twilight of his career, he feels he still has more to give in the Test arena.
And as for his baggy green?
"It was tucked away. I had to dust it off a little bit. It's in the backpack now," he said.
Source: AAP
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