Shaun Marsh ready to fire in home Test

Australian cricketers are often judged by the public on their feats at home instead of those in foreign timezones.

In Shaun Marsh’s case that means 17 runs from six Test innings, all against India in 2011-12.

An incredible 148 against South Africa earlier this year is a forgotten footnote for some pundits quick to judge Marsh.

Marsh’s highest Test score came at Centurion on a green-tinged pitch not completely dissimilar to that on offer at the Gabba this week.

South Africa’s star-studded attack was making life very hard – Steve Smith also scored a ton in that innings and rates it the best knock of his career for that very reason.

“I’ve played well overseas and haven’t played very well in Australia,” Marsh said.

“That (series against India at home) was a long time ago.

“The experiences I’ve gained over the last few years – I’m a lot more ready.

“I understand what you need to do to prepare for a Test match both mentally and physically.”

Marsh’s chance to play a 10th Test has come at the expense of hamstrung captain Michael Clarke.

It was injury that curtailed Marsh’s hopes of playing alongside brother Mitch in the UAE during the recent Test series.

But the elbow setback he suffered while playing in the Indian Premier League delivered some upside – extra time to focus on fixing his knack of getting out cheaply.

“The key is being really sharp early,” Marsh said.

“It’s an area I worked really hard on with (WA coach) Justin (Langer) and my batting coaches back home.”

Marsh noted in South Africa earlier this year there was a sense of “now or never” regarding his stop-start Test career.

The 31-year-old expressed similar sentiments on the eve of Australia’s second Test against India.

“I’ve got to make the most of this opportunity now. I feel like I’m in a position to do that,” he said, having started the Sheffield Shield season with two centuries.

Marsh is still restricted by his elbow injury, but the slipper added it won’t be an issue during the Test series.

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to ping one from the fence, but it’s feeling good,” Marsh said.

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