Shaun Marsh eager to grasp the last chance, concedes failure could end his Test career

Flamboyant Australian batsman Shaun Marsh looks all determined to grasp, what he admits will probably be a final chance to establish himself as a regular member of the Australian Test side after earning an Ashes recall. The 34-year-old, who has donned the national outfit in 23 Tests since his debut in 2011, secured his eighth recall to the Test side with some solid performance for Western Australia.

He also conceded that injury has also played a significant role in Marsh’s stop-start career and that failure on Australian cricket’s biggest stage could probably end his Test career. The dynamic left-hander earlier in the year featured in all four Tests on the tour of India. However, he was dumped from the squad for the following tour of Bangladesh in what was quite a blow given he was considered a specialist batsman in the subcontinent.

Speaking to the reporters in Brisbane, Marsh said, “I’m not trying to think about it that way, it’s another opportunity for me to get out there and play some good cricket for Australia. I know I’ve got some runs in me still to go, so I’ve just got to prepare well and just enjoy it, have a lot of fun and bat myself in.”

Tim Paine’s selection draws criticism

Marsh was amongst the surprise inclusions in the squad, which was named on Friday for next week’s Ashes opener against England in Brisbane. Marsh has been opening for his state but will likely be seen batting in the number six spot against England after having seen off the claims of brother Mitchell, teammate Hilton Cartwright, and the incumbent Glenn Maxwell.

Another surprise inclusion was Tim Paine over his Tasmanian teammate Matthew Wade. The decision has now drawn criticism from every corner. It has been dubbed as a “confused” move by spin bowling great Shane Warne.