Mike Hussey believes Shaun Marsh is coming into his prime as a cricketer and has backed him to shine on Australia’s tour of South Africa.
Marsh was a surprise inclusion in the 15-man squad named on Monday, given his near two-year absence from the Test set-up and comparatively low first-class averages.
But fellow West Australian and former Test batsman Hussey said Marsh is an “extremely talented” player and now has the experience to withstand the pressures of being successful at the top level.
“I think he’s probably coming into his prime now,” the 38-year-old told AAP on Friday.
“He’s at a stage in his career where he can perform consistently at the highest level.
“There’s no question he’s got the ability. It’s just the mental side of the game. If he’s strong enough mentally to be able to handle the pressures and the distractions, then he’ll do extremely well for Australia.
“And I’m certainly backing him to do that.
“Hopefully he takes this opportunity with both hands and really does well for Australia over a long period.”
But whether the selectors’ gamble on the 30-year-old left-hander would reap healthy dividends, only time will tell.
“I don’t think we’ll know straight away,” he said.
“It takes time for him to get in there, hopefully get a few big innings under his belt and then feel comfortable at that level. And then he can just fly from there hopefully.”
Hussey reiterated his disappointment at George Bailey’s omission from the squad and Phil Hughes’ snubbing, in favour of Marsh and Tasmanian Alex Doolan.
“I wish the selectors stuck with (Bailey). I think he’s a great character and a great person to have on the team, particularly on tough hard tours,” he said.
“They’ve invested that time in him, and I’m sure he would’ve repaid that faith if he was given a longer run.
“Obviously the selectors have wanted to go down a different path and that’s their decision.”