Handscomb, Wade, Marsh free to push Ashes chances

Peter Handscomb could be back pushing his Ashes chances as soon as Sunday, after going straight from the World Cup to Australia A’s camp.

Handscomb will on Sunday be available for selection in Australia A’s four-day match with the England Lions, alongside Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh.

The trio were original members of the Australia A squad, before being called out in the past week to join the main team’s World Cup group.

They each missed the opening four-day match against Sussex last week, but will give selectors a 15-man squad to pick from at Canterbury this weekend.

Handscomb had been in strong form for Australia A before Thursday’s disappointing four against England, averaging 74.5 in the ‘A’ side’s one-day games.

Wade is also hopeful of pushing for a spot as Australia’s back-up Ashes wicketkeeper, having blitzed two quick centuries in the one-day games.

He didn’t play once being called into the World Cup squad and will likely face opposition from Alex Carey and Handscomb for the Ashes role.
Marsh, meanwhile, is trying to get his cricket back on track following a difficult run of injuries.

He hit 126 runs without being dismissed in the one-dayers, while also taking five wickets.

Sunday’s match will, however, be the toughest test yet for the Ashes aspirants, playing against England’s hopefuls rather than inexperienced County team.