THE ASHES, 2017-18

I am renowned as the glue of the fast bowling cartel: Mitchell Marsh

by Tristan Lavalette • Published on

Mitchell Marsh is expected to make his international comeback in the third Ashes Test © Getty

Mitchell Marsh, the Australian allrounder, is confident he can make a significant contribution with both bat and ball if selected for his hometown Test match in Perth.

The Western Australia captain hasn't played international cricket since injuring his shoulder during the tour of India in March but is widely tipped to make a comeback for the third Ashes Test starting on December 14 after starring with the bat in the domestic season.

Marsh started the season as a specialist batsman and has scored 680 runs in all forms of cricket at an average of 68. He returned to bowling late last month and claimed 2 for 49 against Queensland at the WACA.

In a bid to protect their injury-prone quicks, Australia are desperate for an allrounder and a position could open for Marsh with No. 5 batsman Peter Handscomb under pressure after a scratchy start to the series. If Marsh gets the nod, his elder brother Shaun is likely to move up a spot with Mitchell slotting in at No. 6 and he would also be expected to help out Australia's frontline bowling attack.

"I am renowned as the glue of the fast bowling cartel," Marsh told reporters in Perth on Tuesday (December 12). "I did a bit of sucking up and I'm back in their WhatsApp group. The cartel are happy to have me back. I got invited to dinner last night. It was a huge honour," he added with a laugh.

Despite his lack of bowling, Marsh believed his reconstructed shoulder would be able to handle the rigours of a Test match. "Shoulder's feeling really good, body's feeling really good, got through the last two Shield games bowling, ready to go if I get the chance," he said.

"I know I'm in great form at the moment, I probably didn't expect to get back in so soon after my injury. I've worked hard over the last nine months to get my body back into shape.

"If I get an opportunity to play, I'll bowl as many overs as Smudger (captain Steve Smith) needs me to bowl," he added. "Rhythm-wise, the ball's coming out really well, pace-wise I think I'm up where I was 18 months ago."

A possible recall means the 26-year-old and his brother - part of the famed Marsh family - would be part of the final Ashes Test at the WACA, a ground renowned for its pace and bounce causing nightmares for England over the years.

Marsh admitted it would a sentimental swansong but said Australia's focus was on wrapping up the series. "It'd nice to be back playing for Australia and playing with Shaun again, it's always special," he said. "But we're playing an Ashes Test and we have an opportunity to win the series so all I'm focused on, if I get an opportunity, is doing my job for the team."

© Cricbuzz

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