MITCHELL Marsh doesn’t believe his inability to turn starts into big scores is “hanging over my head”.

The powerful all-rounder has scored 31, 25, 27 and 18 on turning tracks in the Test series in Sri Lanka without producing the type of innings that could set up a win and boost his position in the side.

His batting average of 23.29 after 17 Tests is below the required standard for a top-six batsman, although Marsh’s role as a third seamer has helped Australia play two spinners and two frontline quicks in Sri Lanka.

“I wouldn’t say it’s hanging over my head,” 24-year-old Marsh said.

“It’s certainly been frustrating that I haven’t been able to capitalise on a few good starts over here.

“I feel like I’m batting really well. I’ve got a clear mind going out to bat and it’s just about doing it for longer.”

Mitch Marsh has failed to convert promising starts with the bat in Sri Lanka. Source: AFP

Australia’s 229-run loss in Galle last weekend handed Sri Lanka a series win over Australia for the first time since 1999 and leaves Steve Smith’s side in danger of conceding its top ranking.

The dead-rubber third Test starts in Colombo on Saturday.

Australia’s batsmen appear to be still pondering how to play Sri Lanka’s spinners, in particular whether they should sweep or advance, attack or defend, score quickly or dig in.

“As a batting group, we either have to change our plans or find a way to do it longer in these conditions,” Marsh said.

“Our batting group has managed to get starts, which is something we pride ourselves on is when we get to 20 or 30 we go on with it.

“If we had one or two blokes do that then the last few Test matches would be different games.”

Marsh said Australia tried to show more attacking intent in its second innings in last week’s second Test.

“It was just the fact that we didn’t do it for long enough,” Marsh said.

Australia scored 106 and 183 and faced a total of just 501 deliveries.

The tourists have been thrashed twice by Sri Lanka and have lost eight Tests in a row in Asia.

“I suppose it has come as a bit of a shock, but we make no excuses,” Marsh said.

“We’ve been outplayed by a better team in their conditions.”

Marsh’s batting average of 23.29 is well below the standard for an Australian all-rounder. Source: AFP

Marsh says the keys to playing spin are picking up the length and reading the turn.

“Their spinners ... they’ve got the straight one as well, so you’ve got to be careful of that,” Marsh said.

Marsh said Test cricket’s top ranking “means a hell of a lot”.

Australia was crowned the game’s year-end top side last month.

“In the Test arena you don’t play for a premiership,” Marsh said.

“You play to be number one in the world.

“Any team that gets knocked off the perch as number one Test team in the world, it would certainly hurt everyone.”

The ICC has advised that if Australia wins the third Test in Colombo, England’s series with Pakistan is drawn two-all and India beats West Indies two-nil, Australia and Pakistan will be level on 111 points but Australia will be ranked first.