There’s more than one way to skin a cat for Shaun Marsh as he attempts to climb back into Australia’s one-day cricket team.
The Western Australia opener, who averaged 76 in October’s domestic one-day tournament, is facing stiff competition for a spot at the top of the order for Australia’s ODI series-opening clash at the MCG on Sunday.
Fellow squad members David Warner and Aaron Finch have strong cases to take on England’s new-ball attack but Marsh says he’s ready to bat further down if the selectors wish.
“I’m pretty flexible in the batting order,” Marsh told reporters on Friday.
“I can bat down the order. Over the next few days I’ll get an understanding of whether I’m in the team or what sort of role they want me to play.
“It’s another good opportunity for me to play well and try to cement my place in the team … so there’s lots to play for.”
Marsh’s most recent ODI appearance was against England in Cardiff in September when he scored 25.
A hamstring injury ruled the stylish left-hander out of the ODI series in India in October.
Next year’s World Cup on home soil is looming large for 30-year-old Marsh, who has 40 ODIs and seven Tests under his belt and is regarded by many as yet to achieve his potential.
“I did spend a fair bit of time out of the team. I had to get a lot of runs in one-day cricket over the last 12 months to get an opportunity again,” Marsh said.
“I feel like my one-day form has been pretty good.
“I’ve just got to carry that into the (national) team now and put scores on the board if I get my chance.
“I’ve performed well at stages when I’ve played for Australia so that gives me confidence as well.
“I’ve just got to be a bit more consistent.”
Asked if his best cricket was ahead of him, Marsh said Australia’s Ashes-winning Test side contained a few clues.
“Oh definitely. You look at a lot of the players now who are playing international cricket, they are all over 30 and they’re playing really well,” he said.
“We’ve got a lot of players in our team as well who are world-class players over 30 so there’s still lots of time.”