Shaun Marsh facing World Cup axe as selectors ponder squad options

Veteran batsman Shaun Marsh is teetering on the edge as Australian selectors consider a bewildering range of options ahead of the World Cup.

Shaun Marsh looks like he’ll miss out on a World Cup berth. Picture: AP

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Shaun Marsh has gone from anchorman to nowhere man after being swamped by the rising tide of Australia’s World Cup resurgence.

Marsh stood tall through a dismal period in Australia’s ODI history with four centuries in the past eight months, but he now finds himself out of the XI and looking like a sitting duck with David Warner and Steve Smith looming large on the horizon.

Australia’s remarkable record-breaking triumph over India suddenly has the five-time champions breathing fire again on the eve of a World Cup defence that had looked dead in the water.

Selectors were forced to perform emergency surgery on Australia’s entire one-day strategy following a horror run of results, and the bold decision to strip it all back and dump all-or-nothing players like Chris Lynn and D’Arcy Short in favour of pure strokemakers such as Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb has proven a masterstroke.

However, Australia’s stunning return to form has only ensured the massive selection decisions are still to come and a five-match series against Pakistan in the UAE starting on March 22 will be do-or-die for some.

Usman Khawaja had a fine series against India, averaging 76.60 over the five one-day matches. Picture: AP

Marsh could consider himself desperately unlucky not to make the World Cup, but timing is everything.

The 35-year-old missed the first ODI against India, nobly, due to the birth of his second child. Khawaja has seized his opportunity at the top of the order with two centuries and a 90.

Aaron Finch is yet to completely release the pressure that’s built-up on him despite a 90 against India, although, a premium is being put on the quality of his captaincy and the calming influence he has brought to the group in uncertain times.

Australia will be bolstered by the return of David Warner (left) and Steve Smith. Picture: Brett Costello

Other than Finch, wicketkeeper Alex Carey stands out as the other agonising conundrum for selectors.

The rhythm Handscomb has shown with his batting has brought into play the very real temptation Australia could back the Victorian in as their gloveman for the World Cup and essentially buy themselves a bonus batter in the line-up for a tournament where big totals are tipped to be paramount.

Shaun Marsh looks like he’ll miss out on a World Cup berth. Picture: AP

However, the two sharp stumpings Carey executed off Adam Zampa in the series-decider against India at a critical time in the match was a reminder of how risky it would be to not enter a World Cup with a specialist wicketkeeper.

If Carey survives, Handscomb or finisher Ashton Turner could miss out on the squad altogether.

Aaron Finch’s form has been erratic but his captaincy is highly regarded. Picture: AP

Justifying Handscomb and Smith as top order batsmen in the same 15-man squad would be difficult, while Turner’s claims to the No.7 position are hurt by the fact he has a chronic shoulder injury and can’t bowl or throw.

Fitness question marks still hang over Smith after his elbow surgery, but he is adamant he will be fully fit by June.

Will Alex Carey make the World Cup squad? Picture: AFP

The glaring weakness in this one-day squad compared with the one that stormed to World Cup glory at the MCG four years ago, is the lack of all-rounder versatility.

In 2015, James Faulkner, Shane Watson and Mitchell Marsh provided enormous balance in the composition of the final squad, but this time around Marcus Stoinis looks like he will be the only genuine all-rounder.

At the moment, selectors are putting their faith in a combination of five fast bowlers, two spinners, a keeper, and seven batsmen – but that balance could change.

Player of the last World Cup, Mitchell Starc will come into the 15 provided he can prove his fitness.

Possible World Cup squad: Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Turner, Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa, Nathan Lyon

CERTAINTIES: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Jhye Richardson

IN IF FIT: Steve Smith , Mitchell Starc

BATTLING IT OUT

BATTERS

Aaron Finch – needs runs but his captaincy almost invaluable

Peter Handscomb – More in than out but at mercy of squad balance.

Alex Carey – Australia are keeping their options open with the idea of Handscomb as a keeper.

Shaun Marsh – Being left out of the final against India does not bode well

BOWLERS

Nathan Lyon – Australia seem set on two spinners

Nathan Coulter-Nile – returned home early from India for the birth of a child, and looks safe

Kane Richardson – coming back from side injury

Jason Behrendorff – If Starc returns do Australia need two left-armers?

Josh Hazlewood – played in last World Cup but looks long odds

Australia’s 3-2 ODI series win against India:

- First time Australia has won an ODI series after trailing 0-2

- First ODI series win since 2017

- First ODI series win overseas since 2016

- First ODI series win in India since 2009

- First ODI win at Delhi since 1998