Ashes 2017/18: 5 players who could have been picked ahead of Shaun Marsh
The selection of Shaun Marsh, who made a comeback into the side for the eighth time, has certainly divided opinion among critics and fans alike. While some, like former Australian batsman Mike Hussey, feel that he is one the six best batsmen in Australia, other fans haven't taken too kindly to seeing him getting another chance to represent Australia.
All things considered, there is no doubt that the selection of Marsh is far from a clear-cut one especially considering the wealth of options that the Australian selectors had to choose from. And while the southpaw eventually got the nod, there were better players, who were in a rich vein of form, who could have taken his place.
Here are 5 players who could have been picked ahead of Shaun Marsh:
Matthew Renshaw
Arguably the biggest surprise from the Ashes squad has to be the omission of Matthew Renshaw. The 21-year-old left-hander made a bright start to his international career and while his form has dipped, he had the backing of opening partner David Warner and offie Nathan Lyon among others.
While he didn't have the greatest time in the first three rounds of this year's Sheffield Shield, his last Test match in Australia was the one in which he scored his career-best Test score, against Pakistan. Considering that he was developing an understanding with David Warner, Renshaw can certainly count himself unlucky to not have made the cut.
His inclusion could have also meant that either Cameron Bancroft or Peter Handscomb could have been handed the gloves and a genuine all-rounder could have been selected instead of recalling Tim Paine, who hasn't played a Test in seven years to keep.