PETER ‘PERFECT’ FACES AXE

PETER Handscomb is set to be axed from the Australian side vying to reclaim the urn in Perth, with Mitchell Marsh to return as the all-rounder.

It’s a bitter pill for Handscomb to swallow, given he averages 47 in Test cricket and 12 months ago was injected into the line-up as a pillar around which Australia could rebuild its fortunes.

The sight of Handscomb hitting fielding drill balls to the Marsh brothers practising their slip catching appeared a clear sign that he is dead man walking.

Selectors are wary of the WACA deck being so flat that a fifth bowling option is a must, although Marsh himself has only bowled in one and a half Sheffield Shield matches this season since his return from shoulder surgery.

Australian staff have stated they aren’t worried by the lack of miles under Marsh’s legs, while the big right-hander is primarily out to rewrite a current Test batting average of 21.

It’s something Marsh believes he is mentally capable of doing now he’s banned himself from reading any negative feedback on social media.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood candidly admitted Australia would love the luxury of a “Jacques Kallis” to solve all their all-rounder problems, but concedes an extra bowling option is always handy, especially on a wicket which he expects to offer precious little to the bowlers.

Marsh – who is set to bat at No.6 with brother Shaun shifting up the order to No.5 – says he is ready for his next big chance.

“I have to believe I’m the best all-rounder in the country to be playing Test cricket,” he said.

“But at the same time for me to be playing Test cricket I’ve got to be the sixth-best batsman in Australia.

“That’s always been the case and my bowling has always been a bonus.”

Handscomb’s dropping is being framed as a conditions based decision, but the 25year-old will now find it difficult to return to the line-up this Ashes series because the Shield season is on break and the only cricket available to him is the Big Bash League.

Mitchell Marsh insists his body is up to whatever bowling challenge the third Test throws up. “Rhythm-wise I’m feeling really good at the moment. It often takes a little while once you get back into bowling, but I feel pretty good.”

I HAVE TO BELIEVE I’M THE BEST ALL-ROUNDER IN THE COUNTRY TO BE PLAYING TEST CRICKET MITCHELL MARSH