Australia Selectors Keep Door Open for Mitchell Marsh's Return

Mitchell Marsh's chances of playing in the Ashes series against England remain alive, despite being dropped from the Australian Test squad, according to selectors' chief George Bailey.

Despite being dropped from the Australian Test squad, Mitchell Marsh remains in consideration for the upcoming Ashes series against England. According to George Bailey, the chairman of selectors, Marsh possesses the skills to pose a threat to the English team and could potentially break back into the squad.

Marsh was omitted from the Test squad after the fourth Test against India, following a string of unimpressive performances. He was subsequently overlooked for the Sri Lanka tour as he struggled with a lower back injury. However, Bailey's comments suggest that Marsh's international career is not yet over, and he may still have a chance to redeem himself in the Ashes series.

Mitchell Marsh has a strong record against England in Test cricket, boasting an average of 47.07 in 10 matches, significantly higher than his overall career average of 28.53. This history of success against England could work in his favor as he seeks to regain his spot in the Australian squad.

However, Marsh faces stiff competition from other all-rounders, including Cameron Green, who is recovering from back surgery, and Beau Webster, who has impressed in recent Tests against India and Sri Lanka. As a result, Marsh's path back into the team is uncertain, with selectors set to announce a squad next month for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June.

Mitchell Marsh goes for a duck.

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In other selection news, young opener Sam Konstas has earned his first Australia contract, but his immediate future remains unclear. Konstas was dropped for the series win over Sri Lanka, and selectors' chief George Bailey indicated that no decision has been made regarding his potential recall for the South Africa match. “While two-Test opener Sam Konstas earned his first Australia contract, no decisions have been made as to whether the 19-year-old will be recalled for South Africa after being dropped for the series win over Sri Lanka,” Bailey said.

Konstas is competing with several players, including Marnus Labuschagne, Green, and Josh Inglis, for a spot in Australia's top six. Bailey suggested that players who miss out on selection for the South Africa match may get opportunities in the subsequent three-Test series against the West Indies in June-July. “The way we frame that (WTC final) and potentially look at how we structure that team may be different than the West Indies tour,” Bailey explained.