The return of Steve Smith isn’t the only change to the XI being considered by Australia’s selectors, with allrounder Mitch Marsh also in the mix for a recall.
Mitch Marsh is in the frame for a Test call-up as Australia weigh up the prospect of making three changes to the XI that suffered a gutting one-wicket loss to England at Headingley.
The series, locked at 1-1 after Ben Stokes’ stunning knock in the third Test, continues at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Steve Smith’s return from concussion, which forced him to miss day five at Lord’s then the ensuing clash in Leeds, will ensure selectors axe one batsman.
However, Marsh is also featuring in conversations between chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns and coach Justin Langer as they ponder how to rejig a top six that failed to bat England out of the contest after skittling the hosts for 67.
Matthew Wade is at risk of being dumped, having celebrated his Test recall with a century in the series opener before logging scores of six, one, zero and 33.
Marcus Harris and Usman Khawaja, who opened together in Australia’s tour game against Derbyshire and are seemingly vying for one spot at the top of the order, will also be keen to learn their fates soon.
Khawaja, boasting an average of 96.8 from seven Test innings at the top of the order, appears in the box seat to partner David Warner in Manchester.
“A couple of headaches there but they’re nice headaches,” Hohns told reporters on Saturday.
“We know he (Khawaja) can open, he’s done that before in Test matches. We know he’s been pretty good at No.3 for us as well.
“The top of the order … that’s an area we’ll be looking at. Mitchell Marsh has certainly given us a good option.
“He (Wade) played very well that innings he made a hundred. Unfortunately, things have not quite gone his way since then, that will certainly be an area we are having a look at.”
Marsh batted at first drop and was man of the match in Derby, where he grabbed match figures of 3-38 and top-scored with 74 as Australia won by an innings and 54 runs.
The allrounder could help Tim Paine ensure his fast bowlers remain as fresh as possible. The upside of recalling two right-handers, in Smith and Marsh, is part of the selection debate.
“We are also mindful that the England bowlers have bowled very well to our guys, particularly our left-handers, so we will certainly look at that,” Hohns said.
Australia’s pace attack, having changed in every Test of the series, is likely to be tweaked yet again.
Hohns confirmed a quick turnaround between the fourth and fifth Tests will be taken into account in selection discussions.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are expected to be retained but James Pattinson could be squeezed out of the XI.
Mitchell Starc, who snagged seven wickets in Derby and cleaned up the tail in both innings, and Peter Siddle will both come into consideration depending on the pitch produced in Manchester.
“It is renowned for being possibly the quickest in the country,” Hohns said.
“He (Starc) has certainly given us a good option.”
© AAP
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