Shaun Marsh would love to emulate the likes of Steve and Mark Waugh by playing Test cricket alongside his brother.

With skipper Michael Clarke reportedly ruled out of the opening Test against India beginning on December 4, a position has opened up in the Australian top order.

Marsh, Phillip Hughes and Alex Doolan are among the leading contenders to step into the breach.

All three are involved in Sheffield Shield action over the next four days, with Marsh turning out for Western Australia in the game against Victoria at the MCG.

A big score would greatly enhance his chances of forcing his way into a squad that already includes younger brother Mitch Marsh, who made his Test debut in the recent series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and has retained his place in the squad to take on India.

“It would be huge,” the 31-year-old Shaun Marsh said on Tuesday when asked what it would be like to play in the same Test team as his brother.

“From a young age, we’ve both wanted to play Test cricket.”

The elder Marsh played the most recent of his nine Tests on the tour of South Africa this year, where he was dropped for the decider after making a pair in the second Test.

He has made 493 Test runs at 32.87 with two centuries.

The Waughs are the most recent set of brothers to appear together for Australia at Test level.

“I’m not really trying to think about it too hard,” said Marsh.

“I’m just trying to play well for WA.”