Under-pressure Mitchell Marsh is fighting for his Test future — and trading barbs with Aussie legends

Australian vice-captain Mitchell Marsh has bitten back at a Test legend who labelled him a ‘perpetual disappointment’, but the all-rounder’s immediate future is far from secure.

Under pressure? Australian vice-captain Mitchell Marsh is feeling the pinch. Picture: AAP

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Australian vice-captain Mitchell Marsh is fighting for his Test future in a tense selection showdown with Peter Handscomb.

Marsh is the slight favourite to retain his Test place but Australia is yet to guarantee him a spot as it assesses conditions and team balance for Thursday’s first Test against India in Adelaide.

Opener Marcus Harris and promising middle order batsman Travis Head are both set to play.

Mitchell Marsh is under pressure to retain his spot in the Australian team. Picture: AAP

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West Australian allies... Mitchell Marsh and Justin Langer go back a long way. Picture: Getty

When Marsh left Australian shores at the end of the last summer for South Africa it seemed a formality he would be a routine selection this season after a breakthrough Ashes series which reaped 320 runs at 106.

But after managing a robust 96 in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa in Durban, Marsh has made only one score above 16 in his last 11 Test innings against South Africa and Pakistan.

Marsh can be comforted his greatest selection room ally is the weighty voice of Australian coach Justin Langer who is normally given the team he wants.

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Relaxed... Marcus Harris is assured a spot at the top of the order in Adelaide. Picture: Getty

But the fact that the rookie head and the debutant Harris appear to have been inked in ahead of him is a clear sign that Marsh needs to improve on his record of just five scores over 50 in 51 Test knocks.

Marsh has smacked 151, 1, 44, 6 and 30 while taking five wickets in three Sheffield Shield games since returning from the UAE.

“After the UAE there is no doubt there are a few question marks over me so I am just really pumped if selected to get out and play,” said Marsh, 30 Tests since 2014.

“I feel l am hitting the ball really for WA the last couple of weeks, felt really good. I am just really excited for the Test, pumped for the Test summer to start.”

LISTEN! The Cricket Unfiltered team dive into the challenge Australia faces against India with Ben Horne, Peter Lalor and Mark Howard joining host Andrew Menczel for a full preview ahead of the opening Test in Adelaide.

Geoff Lawson says Mitch and Shaun Marsh are ‘perpetual disappointments’. Former Test quick Lawson believes Mitch Marsh has ‘had his time in the baggy green’ and ‘not providing all rounder values’.

“Hi Geoff, how are you” quipped Marsh whose father Geoff played eight Tests with Lawson.

“His comments are his comments, his opinion. All I can focus on is preparing well for this Test match, summer, doing my best, that is all I can do. People can say what they say but I am looking forward to seeing him.”

Onya Geoff! Mitchell Marsh says he’s looking forward to catching up with critic Geoff Lawson. Picture: AAP

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While Marsh’s batting is often potted, the 27-year-old wants to lift his bowling output while remaining a 140km/safeguard if Mitch Starc, Pat Cummins or Josh Hazlewood breaks down in the match.

“I’m fully fit, raring to go, got some good overs under my belt the last couple of weeks for WA. I’m feeling great,” said Marsh.

“My goal for this summer is to start chipping in with the ball and get a few more wickets for the team. I love coming on in the graveyard shift, 70 to 80 overs when the ball’s doing nothing and trying to sneak in a wicket.

“I really want to take my bowling to the next level in this team. That’s about taking your opportunity when you get it.”

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