Ashes 2015: Shaun Marsh wears a Mitchell Johnson delivery on his left hand

AUSTRALIAN batsman Shaun Marsh appears to have escaped a nasty training session incident without serious injury, after he was struck on the hand by Mitchell Johnson in Chelmsford.

Australia's Shaun Marsh bats during the tour match against Kent at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury England, Thursday June 25, 2015. Australia will play England in the first Test of the Ashes series starting July 8. (Nigel French/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE

AUSTRALIAN batsman Shaun Marsh appears to have escaped a nasty training session incident without serious injury, after he was struck on the hand by Mitchell Johnson in Chelmsford.

Marsh immediately dropped his bat and left the field with team physio Alex Kountouris for treatment on his left hand.

The initial diagnosis is Marsh has a split in a finger nail, and although in substantial pain, there doesn’t appear to be any breaks.

Marsh was to spend the day icing the finger, and would be assessed later on in case any further damage becomes apparent.

The left-hander isn’t playing in the final tour match against Essex, but after a hundred in the Ashes-opening practice game, he could still be in the frame for a first Test berth as he battles with opener Chris Rogers for selection.

However, even if Marsh was not picked in Australia’s XI for the Ashes start in Cardiff, it’s good news for the squad that he appears to be fine, given they’re already dealing with a setback to Ryan Harris.

The good news for Australia is spearhead Johnson, even when not playing, is back to premium pace – in an ominous sign for England.

Marsh has played five consecutive Test matches for Australia after coming back into the side in Brisbane last summer.

He has performed solidly in that time with a 99 and 73 against India and another half century on the recent tour of the West Indies.

Marsh is a valuable asset to the Australian batting order, given his versatility allows him to open or bat in the middle order.

Johnson hit Marsh with a climbing short ball in the Chelmsford nets before play on day three.

He quickly removed his gloves and wrung his hand before rushing back to the sheds.

Originally published as Ashes 2015: Shaun Marsh wears a Mitchell Johnson delivery on his left hand