Marsh seeks early Test edge in Sri Lanka

Monday, 1 August 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Australian Test hopeful Shaun Marsh says he wants to use the limited overs matches against Sri Lanka to push his case for a baggy green cap.

The West Australian appears to be in a direct battle with NSW left-hander Usman Khawaja for the No.6 spot in Australia’s batting line-up after being included in the 15-man Test squad for the three matches which follow August’s ODI series.

But while Khawaja is still at home, Marsh arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday ahead of the tour starting with two Twenty20 clashes and five one-day matches.

And the son of former Test opener Geoff Marsh is hoping a good showing in those forms of the game will give him an edge when the XI for the first Test in Galle is revealed.

“Yeah, definitely. It’s just going to be a lot of fun. I’m going to challenge myself,” Marsh said.

“It’s going to be tough. Sri Lankan series are usually very tough, it’s hot and they usually doctor the wickets to their style.

“It’s going to be a great challenge and I’m looking forward to it.”

Marsh said he was feeling 100 per cent after being rested by Cricket Australia following his commitments in the Indian Premier League.

The 28-year-old left-hander has had a history of back and hamstring problems, the latter forcing him to miss this year’s World Cup campaign.

But after coming through the IPL season with Kings XI Punjab unhampered, Marsh felt confident his physical issues were a thing of the past.

“Obviously I’ve had my issues with some injuries and they’ve come at unfortunate times, being involved in the Australian set-up,” Marsh said.

“I’m feeling really confident within my body now.

“I got through India, two months over there, playing some really tough cricket. Got through that unscathed and that’s given me a lot of confidence heading towards Sri Lanka.”

For now though, Marsh is just revelling in being back in the Test make-up for the first time since earning a spot in the squad for the 2008 tour of India.

“It’s a great thrill.” he said.

“When I was a young boy I always wanted to be on a Test tour and be a part of a Test team.

“To get that opportunity now is fantastic and I’m just looking forward to the next few months of cricket.”

Australia open their tour of Sri Lanka with the first of two Twenty20 matches in Kandy next Saturday.