Marsh wins Test call

The highly-regarded Shaun Marsh on duty for Western Australia earlier this month

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Shaun Marsh has been called into Australia’s squad for the remaining two Tests in India as a replacement for the injured Phil Jaques.

Marsh will fly to India later this week to join the squad after Jaques’ tour was ended early by a back-related complaint last week.

The call-up is Marsh’s first to the Test squad after he made his one-day international debut in the West Indies earlier this year.

Andrew Hilditch, chairman of the national selection panel, said: “Shaun has been selected having opened the batting for Australia in the one-day international arena and shown great potential.

“He has recently moved to opening the batting in all three forms of the game in interstate competition and played very well in Western Australia's run-chase and victory at the WACA against New South Wales.

“As a replacement batsman on the tour, should the opportunity arise, we are confident that Shaun could fill any role in the batting order.

“We have also taken the opportunity to enhance Shaun’s international experience as we consider him to be one of the promising young batsmen in Australia capable of having a significant impact in Australian cricket in the future.”

Although uncapped at Test level, Marsh enjoyed success on Indian soil when he was the leading run-scorer in the inaugural Indian Premier League this year.

Marsh is keen to perform for Australia as a mark of respect for his grandfather

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“It's crazy to be honest with you,” said Marsh. “It's a dream come true to be on a Test tour and something that I've worked pretty hard for over the last 12 months.

“I guess getting in the one-day team was a huge privilege but to be a part of the Test team - whether I play or not that's a different story - but being over there and being a part of it is an amazing feeling.”

Marsh revealed he will dedicate his time in India to his grandfather Ted, who died last week.

“It's been a tough week for the family but looking forward to getting over there and hopefully if I get a game, I'd be able to do it for Pop,” he said.

“I gave Dad (former Australian opener Geoff Marsh) a quick call - he's pretty happy.

“He's had a tough week, a tough few days, and hopefully it lifts him up a little bit and he'll be very proud.”

Australia trail 1-0 in the series after losing the second Test by 320 runs in Mohali this week. The third Test in Delhi begins next Wednesday.