Former Australian Test captain Mark Taylor says it would be a “bold decision” for Australia to pick Mitch Marsh at No.5 for the upcoming Ashes series.
Marsh last played Test cricket for Australia during the 2019 Ashes series.
The 30-year-old recently has been a big part of Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign, producing a half-century against the West Indies last week in a must-win match.
Taylor admits recent speculation has led him to believe Marsh will return to Test cricket and be handed the gig at No.5 over former vice-captain Travis Head.
“My money was probably on Travis Head [to bat at No.5] but I think Mitch Marsh is firming,” he told Nine’s Sports Sunday.
“If Australia does go with Mitch Marsh, it would be a bold decision because it would leave them with potentially a long tail.”
Taylor isn’t against the idea of Marsh coming back into the side and said the option of having two all-rounders, with Cameron Green expected to be at No.6, could be an attractive option.
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“Mitch Marsh moved up to No.3 in the T20 tournament which I like and he’s playing well and has some confidence,” he added.
“That doesn’t necessarily translate to Test match runs against England, but if he plays at No.5 and then Cameron Green bats at No.6, Australia will have two all-rounders.
“Potentially two guys who bat well and also can bowl.”
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Taylor said the danger for Australia is the star-studded batting trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne will be heavily relied upon to get most of the runs.
“Their bowling will be covered, which will be handy for a fairly condensed Ashes series, but as has always been the case, the danger for Australia is the batting.
“Still very reliant on people like Steve Smith, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne… if they don’t fire, that’s when Australia might find some trouble.”
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