Marsh belts top ton to seal Test selection

CRICKET: Shaun Marsh has scorched a “perpetual disappointment” stigma saying the key to his consecutive tons and certain Test selection is playing with freedom that eluded him against Pakistan.

Marsh guaranteed his place in the Test side to take on India with an unbeaten, match-winning ton (163 off 264 balls) against South Australia in Adelaide yesterday. His 26th first-class ton dragged Western Australia from the edge of defeat at 4-113 on Sunday chasing 313 to a five-wicket triumph.

“It was nice to get the win and some runs as well, it was a great four days. We are really happy, it felt good, hopefully it continues,” said Marsh, who is averaging 35 after 34 Tests.

“I just wanted to continue to play with that freedom I wanted to do when I got back from overseas.”

The feast or famine existence of Shaun and Mitch Marsh polarises opiries nion. Absolute support from national coach Justin Langer contrasts with a savage critique by former Test paceman Geoff Lawson. Lawson shared eight Tests with opener Geoff Marsh but insists Australia must move on the sons he labelled a “perpetual disappointment”.

Shaun Marsh has posted first-class scores of 80, 98, 21 and 163 not out this season. The left-hander plundered 106 and 22 in the one-day series against South Africa which followed a Test se- average of 3.5 against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last month.

That worrying form is set to be overlooked by selectors searching for form batsmen ahead of the first Test against India in Adelaide starting December 6.

Marsh is considered a lock for No.3 or No.4 in Australia’s first Test side contingent on Usman Khawaja’s fitness and whether Aaron Finch slides from opener to No.5.