Mitchell Marsh in huge selection drama ahead of third Ashes test
Australia could be set for a huge shake-up ahead of the third test.
Cameron Green has not taken part in the pre-match Ashes training session with allrounder Mitchell Marsh stepping up, which has prompted speculation the Western Australian cricket star could start. While Green has been sensational in the field this series against England, he has struggled with the bat with a top score of 38 across the four innings.
Green has taken three wickets across Birmingham and London as he juggles his workload coming back from a number of injuries. Green was asked to send down 13 overs in England's fourth innings over the weekend, including a sustained short-pitched approach that takes more out of the bowlers.
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However, ahead of the third test at Headingley, Marsh was seen training the day before the first ball was bowled. Reporter Bharat Sundaresan pointed, out on the eve of the test, Marsh was the one in the nets with a lot of attention around the allrounder.
Selectors could be resting Green after two tough victories and looking to give Marsh an opportunity. Marsh has been in great from for Western Australia and could be seen as a more threatening batting option as Australia look to seal the series.
If Marsh was to be recalled, it would mark the 31-year-old's first Test since he took his maiden five-wicket haul against England at The Oval in 2019. Some fans agreed Green could use a rest as they weighed-in on the selection dilemma ahead of a must-win clash for England.
Don’t quote me on this but I reckon the Aussie management fancy Marsh as the better bat still, probably haven’t been impressed with how stiff Green has looked at time with the ball https://t.co/vVVg1UM8jY
— Ainsley George 🇺🇦🇬🇧 (@AinsleyScorah) July 5, 2023
Might as well give Marsh a run considering Green's poor returns with bat and ball. https://t.co/JFmBg8wrvy
— Olebile (@LebstaBru) July 5, 2023
The other selection drama revolves around the fast bowlers. Mitchell Starc was at his best during the second test and is set to keep his spot for a greener wicket at Headingley on Thursday. However, there is talk Scott Boland will come in for Josh Hazlewood with the veteran taking a rest after two test matesrt coming back from a long-term injury, which saw him miss the India series.
Australians toss up Mitchell Marsh decision
Cummins indicated at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday selectors were deliberating on more than just whether to play Hazlewood or Boland. "That's one of (the considerations), and we haven't made a decision," Cummins said.
"Literally the last couple of days, us bowlers haven't been here. We have been chilling out. We will get together (Wednesday) afternoon, and talk through a few different scenarios."
Cummins also said it was a fine line between keeping the foot on England going into the third Test, while ensuring he looked after his fellow bowlers.
"You balance up all those things," he added. "You want to make sure someone gets through a game first of all, everyone even Nathan Lyon has risk going into a game."
with AAP
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