Shaun Marsh does not covet Shane Watson’s spot in the Test batting order and is confident a big score is imminent for the allrounder.

Watson is expected to remain at No.3 for Australia’s fourth Test against India, despite his increased bowling loads in the past two matches due to Mitch Marsh’s hamstring injury.

First drop has been a problem for Australia ever since Ricky Ponting’s demotion to No.4 in 2011, with 11 men having filled the post since.

Watson has scored the side’s only two centuries at No.3 in the post-Ponting era, but has recently failed to turn starts into centuries.

The 33-year-old scored 52 and 17 at the MCG last week, registering his first Test half-century since the 2013 Boxing Day Test against England.

There have been calls for Watson to bat at No.6 given how much he is bowling at the moment.

Marsh, the first man trialled at No.3 after Ponting, would be among the contenders to take Watson’s place at first drop.

But the 31-year-old is more than happy to stay at No.5 in an order that has been reshuffled following Michael Clarke’s serious hamstring injury.

“I’m really enjoying my role down in the middle order,” Marsh said.

“I’ve been batting there for WA for the last 12-18 months … but to be honest I’ll be happy to bat anywhere in the Test team.”

Marsh described Watson as a “great player and a fantastic team person.

“I’m sure a big score is around the corner for him. He’s hitting the ball really well and he’s a big part of our team,” he said.

Coach Darren Lehmann said Watson’s partnership with Chris Rogers on day one in Melbourne laid the platform for an intimidating first-innings total of 530.

“So we’re pleased with his output,” Lehmann said.

“We’d love him to make a hundred, and hopefully it’s in Sydney.”