Former Test star Justin Langer has urged national selectors to hand Shaun Marsh an Ashes lifeline, saying the talented left-hander is in the prime of his career and ready to cash in on his hot form.
Marsh was in sizzling touch during the recent one-day cup series in NSW, cracking scores of 47, 54, 84 and 119 to put himself squarely in the frame for a Test recall.
The 30-year-old hasn’t played a Test since his forgettable series against India two years ago, when his mental shortcomings were badly exposed while scoring just 14 runs over six innings.
But Marsh has regained his mojo over the past year, and has the chance to push his case for Test selection during the early part of the Sheffield Shield season.
Langer, who has helped Marsh both on and off the field since taking over as Western Australia coach last November, said the hard-hitting batsman was well placed to realise his potential.
“Not only is he batting well, but he’s been faultless for 12 months in his choices off the park, so he deserves every bit of success he’s getting,” Langer said on Wednesday.
“He’s coming to that prime period that batsmen usually come in around 29 to 32.
“So this is the time for him to cash in and bank as many runs as he can.
“If he can keep doing that, I’m sure higher honours will come his way.”
Usman Khawaja, George Bailey, David Warner and Phil Hughes are other fringe players eyeing off selection for the five-Test Ashes series, which starts in Brisbane on November 21.
Langer said the unsettled nature of Australia’s batting line-up opened the door for a host of players to break into the Test side.
“In the last nine Tests, there’s been nine different Test teams. It means the Australian selectors aren’t necessarily settled on the best team to win the Ashes,” Langer said.
“So the Sheffield Shield competition is a great audition.
“Imagine being a young player now. The opportunities are huge.”
Western Australia managed just one win during the one-day cup, but they’ll be hoping to start their Shield campaign with a win when they take on Victoria at the MCG from October 30-November 2.
Simon Katich performed well during his recent cameo role for the Warriors, but Langer was unsuccessful in his attempts to sign the former Test opener for the Shield campaign.
“But the door’s open for him to come back at any stage,” Langer said.