SELECTORS have been urged not to forget that Shaun Marsh saved Australia’s bacon two Test matches ago as they hunt for their Ashes No.6.

Marsh has started the domestic one-day season like a house on fire after adding another classy 69 against Queensland in Sydney to a run of 132 not out, 88 and 62.

The mere mention of Marsh as an Ashes contender instantly polarises opinion, with many arguing that going back to the 34-year-old for the umpteenth time would epitomise why the Australian batting order has failed to develop.

media_camera Shaun Marsh plays a shot against India in Ranchi.

Marsh made his first-class debut way back in the year 2000 and he averages a modest 36 from 23 Tests.

However, if the Ashes is simply about winning and Australia’s struggling top order needs to be bolstered by the sixth best batsman in the country, not an all-rounder – at this early stage of the season it’s hard to go past left-hander Marsh, whose career best form has come in recent seasons.

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Selectors appeared to make a soft decision to cut Marsh and Steve O’Keefe loose after the tour of India, but already the spinner has made a comeback and the powers that be must once again decide if it’s time to put off looking to the future until after the most important series in cricket.

Marsh played an outstanding match-saving knock to keep Australia alive during the Border Gavaskar trophy back in March, before his unpredictable body let him down in the fourth and deciding Test – a crucial turning point in India claiming the series.

However, 37-year-old Michael Klinger – who made a blistering hundred in WA’s thrilling 11-run win over Queensland – said selectors can’t write off Marsh because of his age.

“People forget in his second-last Test he basically saved the match for Australia along with Petey Handscomb, who’s in great touch too,” said Klinger.

“After that he had one game that didn’t go right and he was out. He couldn’t be too far away and we all hope that he plays more cricket for Australia going forward.

“We’ve (WA) probably got three guys in our team vying for that (spot) with him. Hilton Cartwright and possibly Marcus Stoinis.

media_camera Shaun Marsh scored a sizzling ton against Victoria.

“As long as one of those guys get it the WA boys will be happy. It depends if they want someone who can bowl a bit. But if something does happen to the other five batters in terms of injury then no doubt Shaun would certainly slot in. you’d hope he’d be next in the way he’s going.”

Queensland appeared dead and buried at Drummoyne when they fell to 7-169 chasing WA’s 3-301 in a rain reduced 41-over game.

However, a brilliant rear-guard hundred from all-rounder Michael Neser (122 off 81) almost pulled off a miracle which only died in the last over when he was run out.

Victoria take on South Australia at North Sydney Oval on Friday.