Ashes 2015: Battle between Shane Watson and Mitch Marsh for all-rounder place to come down to wire

AUSTALIAN coach Darren Lehmann admits the selection battle between all-rounders Shane Watson and Mitchell Marsh ahead of the first Ashes Test could come down to the wire.

Australia's Shane Watson during a training session, before the second cricket Test between Australia and the West Indies, June 10, 2015 at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK

AUSTALIAN coach Darren Lehmann admits the selection battle between all-rounders Shane Watson and Mitchell Marsh ahead of the first Ashes Test could come down to the wire.

Following on from his impressive unbeaten century in Australia’s comprehensive 255-run win over Kent, Marsh will get another chance to push his case in the second and final tour match later this week against Essex.

Lehmann has announced the XI that will participate in that last pre-Ashes hitout, with Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith and Brad Haddin the first Test certainties who are being rested.

David Warner and Chris Rogers will open the batting, with Shaun Marsh to be rested.

Meanwhile Ryan Harris, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will form the attack against Essex in what shapes as a bowl-off of sorts.

With Johnson a certain starter for Cardiff, there are two spots available for the first Test.

However, perhaps the most intriguing battle at this stage is between the all-rounders.

Watson scored an impressive 84 of his own against Kent, but didn’t bowl due to general soreness coming out of the tour of the West Indies.

Lehmann confirmed that Watson will face a stern test of his fitness against Essex and must prove he can bowl well and often.

“Yes, like always. I thought he bowled really well in the West Indies for a short amount of time, so we know that’s important for us especially in England,” said Lehmann.

“He shapes the ball nicely so he’s going to have to bowl well.

“It’s going to be tight isn’t it (between Watson and Marsh).

“I thought (Marsh) was exceptional in his innings as was Shane Watson to be perfectly honest. We need Watto bowling and he’ll definitely bowl in the next tour game so that’s going to be a key for us as well. Both have pushed their claims really well.”

Mitchell Marsh is battling Shane Watson for the all-rounder spot ahead of the first Ashes Test.

Harris took two wickets in each innings, but Lehmann says his veteran right-armer will still need to show more in Chelmsford to force his way into the attack that decimated the West Indies.

Overall Lehmann is satisfied at the depth at his disposal.

“(Harris) is still short of a gallop but better today to be perfectly honest so he’s going to play the next tour game provided he pulls up all right and we’ll make sure he’s 100 per cent before we make him available for selection,” he said.

“At the end of the day Ryan Harris has got to be fully fit and if he’s doing that then he’s a big part of our side or squad going forward. At the end of the day he’s got to prove to us he can bowl 20 overs in an innings or roughly that … if he can do that he certainly comes into consideration.

“He’s obviously been one of our greats in these conditions and at the end of the day we’ve got to pick the best attack and if that’s with him in that’s with him in, if it’s not it’s not.”

Team to face Essex: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Michael Clarke (capt), Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.

Originally published as Ashes 2015: Battle between Shane Watson and Mitch Marsh for all-rounder place to come down to wire