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Steve Waugh's controversial selection call for India

The last Australian captain to win a Test series in the subcontinent has named the man he wants to see opening alongside David Warner in India.

During a fan chat on his official Facebook page on Thursday, Steve Waugh said he'd like to see Shaun Marsh reinstated at the top of the order.

20-year-old opener Matt Renshaw has been highly impressive in his four Tests so far and smashed a brilliant century against Pakistan at the SCG.

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But Waugh believes Marsh's experience and record in the subcontinent should see him get the nod.

"For me, while Matt Renshaw has done exceptionally well in Australia I'd be very tempted to play Shaun Marsh in the first Test," Waugh said.

"He has a proven track record and he was the incumbent opener before he was injured.

"I think he's ready to go at this level, he knows the conditions well, he's played in the Indian Premier League.

"It gives Australia a bit more experience. I would open the batting with him and Dave Warner."

Renshaw or Marsh? Image: Getty
Renshaw or Marsh? Image: Getty

Marsh fractured his thumb in the opening Test of the summer at the WACA, but is back in Australia's squad for the four-Test series starting later this month.

The 33-year-old averages 78.6 in Tests in the subcontinent, having previously scored two centuries in Sri Lanka.

"I think he can add something in those conditions, he's got a very good record on the subcontinent particularly against Sri Lanka on the two tours he's been there," Waugh added.

The former skipper didn't comment about the possibility of having Marsh and Renshaw both in the starting XI, but it wouldn't be a surprise if it eventuated.

Marsh has batted in every position in the top five in his 19-Test career, and could even slot in as low as six behind Warner, Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb.