Steve Waugh feels Australia should open with Shaun Marsh instead of Matt Renshaw in the opening Test against India

Australia is all set to lock horns against the mighty Indians in a 4 match Test series starting on 23rd February and former Aussie captain Steve Waugh feels that Shaun Marsh should open the innings alongside David Warner once the first Test begins in Pune from 23rd February. Despite Matt Renshaw’s impressive performance in the limited opportunities he has got so far, Steve Waugh feels that Marsh will be the ideal partner of Warner, especially in Indian conditions.

“For me, while Matt Renshaw has done exceptionally well in Australia. I’d be very tempted to play Shaun Marsh in the first Test,” Waugh was quoted as saying during a fan chat on his Facebook page.

“He (Marsh) has a proven track record and he was the incumbent opener before he was injured. I think he’s ready to go at this level, he knows the conditions well, he’s played in the Indian Premier League. It gives Australia a bit more experience. I would open the batting with him and Dave Warner,” Waugh pointed out.

Marsh has been recalled to the Australian squad after recuperating from a finger injury which he had sustained during the opening Test against South Africa at the WACA in November. The experienced southpaw is a very good player of spin bowling and the team management might be tempted to include him in the Playing XI for the opening Test. Despite not playing a single Test in India, he has the experience of playing in subcontinental conditions and has smashed two centuries in Sri Lanka.

Also read: Steve Waugh doubts the use of Mitchell Swepson in the first Test

“I’m happy he is back in the squad. I think he can add something in those conditions, he’s got a very good record on the subcontinent particularly against Sri Lanka on the two tours he’s been there,” Waugh added. Waugh also feels that Mitchell Swepson who has received his maiden call-up in the national team won’t feature in the Playing XI at least in the opening Test in Pune.