Mitch Marsh has praised Shane Watson’s temperament and leadership as the duelling allrounders prepare to play alongside each other in the upcoming one-day series.

Watson and Marsh have been jousting for the one spot in Australia’s Test side throughout the Ashes tour.

Neither allrounder featured at Trent Bridge, but Marsh played the second and third Tests after the 34-year-old was dropped.

Watson has continued to mentor Marsh over the past month, despite the fact his 59-Test career has potentially been ended by the 23-year-old.

“He’s been absolutely fantastic,” Marsh said.

“The way that he’s taken the selection process at that point in his career, it’s been amazing.

“He’s been great off the field. Any chance I get, I try and ask him questions.”

Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh recently noted Watson still had a lot to offer Australian cricket, having included the veteran in an ODI squad for the five-match series against England.

Mitch Marsh agreed, saying having an experienced player like Watson had been great for the whole group.

“It’s going to be great to play with him again,” he said.

Watson, who has captained Australia in nine ODIs, will provide a lot of guidance to new skipper Steve Smith.

Marsh, who is expected to be recalled for the fifth Test, is keen to follow in Watson’s footsteps and become a leader of what is a youthful side.

“This is going to give us a great chance as a young group to start something special,” he said of the limited-overs segment of the tour.

“Losing the Ashes is not something you want to be part of, but you’ve got to move forward.

“There’re going to be some young guys come in.

“I’m really excited to hopefully be one of those guys and lead this group.”

Australia face Ireland in an ODI on August 27 at Belfast before playing a one-off Twenty20 clash on August 31.

If the fifth Test runs all five days, Marsh and his Test teammates will only have a break of two days before facing Ireland.

Marsh can’t wait.

“I haven’t really played a lot of cricket over the past 12 months,” Marsh said.

“I’m champing at the bit to play as much cricket as I can. As a 23-year-old, I certainly don’t want to be rested.”