All-rounde­r likely to replac­e strugg­ling batsma­n Peter Handsc­ombPERTH: Australia skipper Steve Smith says he is leaning towards playing all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as Australia’s fifth bowler in Thursday’s potentially Ashes-deciding third Test against England in Perth. Cummins looks to replicate Johnson’s Ashes heroicsIf recalled, it would be the first appearance for Marsh since a shoulder injury mid-way through Australia’s Test series in India earlier this year. Despite criticism of Marsh’s consistency at Test level where he averages just 21.74 in 21 Tests, Smith said he has seen signs in his recent batting to suggest he’s a changed player. He’s a strong lad.”Smith said the groundsman had been working to get more pace into the WACA wicket ahead of the Test. “I think he’s got more grass on it than he previously has to try and get that pace on the wicket,” he said.

Source: The Express Tribune December 13, 2017 08:30 UTC