South Africa vs Australia 2014: Fit-again Shaun Marsh called up in place of Shane Watson

Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh has been recalled into the Australian squad in place of Shane Watson, who is suffering from a calf ailment. The southpaw was earlier ruled out of the series due to fitness issues but has regained fitness since then.

Marsh proved his case by playing an important role in Perth Scorchers’ winning the Big Bash 2013-14 final by scoring a splendid half-century.

John Inverarity said: “Shaun has now recovered from injury and the National Selection Panel has selected him to join the squad in South Africa in light of Shane Watson not being available for the first Test with a calf injury.”

Inverarity will travel to South Africa now as the visitors start the preparations at Super Sport Park, Centurion, for the first Test that begins on February 12.

After the BBL final, Marsh was not sure of whether he would earn a call for the South Africa series.

Marsh said: “There’s a full squad over there now, so more than likely not. But that’s just the way it goes.

“I had to make a decision in the best interests of the team, and at that stage I wasn’t fit and we didn’t know how long it would be. It was disappointing to miss out, but I guess this (T20 triumph) is a nice reward. It’s been a long 13 years for me in WA, and it means a lot.”

Shaun Marsh has a short time to change himself from Twenty20 to Test format. He, however, has the ability to perform in Test cricket. He has solid technique and it could prove handy especially against the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. He is also a good player off the backfoot which is important while playing in South Africa.

Shaun Marsh may be fixed as No.5 batsman, and Alex Doolan could be the No.3 batsman for Australia. However Inverarity and coach Lehmann would look for stability in the playing XI and therefore they may consider Marsh ahead of Moises Henriques and Philip Hughes.