Shaun Marsh needed jab to dull back injury

Nov 23, 2017 - 4:54 AM Shaun Marsh needed pain-killing injections to take his place in the Australian side for the first Ashes Test, it has been revealed.

The 34-year-old was in serious doubt after suffering from a stiff back before the series opener at the Gabba.

But he was cleared on Thursday morning and surprisingly fielded at short leg early in the first session.

It suggests the team's medical staff is confident enough in his fitness despite his history of back and hamstring injuries.

"He said he was alright and ready to go. I think he's had a jab and he doesn't look as stiff today," opening batsman David Warner told the Nine Network.

Marsh was hampered by a jarred back in his most recent Test outing against India earlier this year, the latest injury problem to have hampered his stop-start Test career.

Glenn Maxwell, who was overlooked for the No.6 batting spot, looms as the likely inclusion for the second Test if Marsh's problem occurs again.

Warner also required medical assistance to overcome a sore neck, which he picked up during a fielding drill on Tuesday.

"A sore neck wasn't going to keep me out," he said.

"It's literally a pain in the neck but I was always going to be up for it.

"A bit of adrenalin and a few drugs in the system and it's good to go."

Source: AAP