South Africa vs Australia 2014: The problem of No.5 for Australia

Shaun Marsh has a short time to prove his fitness. But if he’s available it could bring right balance to the squad

Yet another injury problem for Shaun Marsh! He had the same problem in 2012, but had a good Sheffield Shield series. He, however, was not considered for the Ashes series in England due to lack of fitness. He gradually showed some signs of improvement for the Test series in South Africa, but now suffering from a calf ailment. Marsh’s availability for the Test series in South Africa is under the scanner.

Shaun Marsh will play an important role for Australia in South Africa. With the top order not performing outside Australia, he will be a key component along with Michael Clarke at No.5. The top order – David Warner, Shane Watson and Chris Rogers have been little out of sorts outside Australia.

Chris Rogers has failed against quality pace attack, and Shane Watson has not been able to make an impact at the top. He does not have patience, and always looks to score the runs quickly. With the top order’s form under scrutiny, Shaun Marsh will be holding the key for Australia.

If Australia loses early wickets, Shaun Marsh has the potential to stabilize the innings at No.5. He has great patience and perfect technique for the Test cricket – great player off the backfoot. He’s also great puller off the cricket ball. With Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Philander likely to trouble the Aussie batsmen with back of a length delivery, Shaun Marsh could prove handy for Australia.

So far Shaun Marsh has played only seven Test matches, but managed to score 301 runs with the best of 141. He played his last Test match in 2012 against India, but managed only three runs in both the innings.

After that series, he has not been part of Australia’s Test squad due to poor form and injury problems. Nevertheless following a good Sheffield Shield series in 2012, he can make an impact in South Africa.

Also Australia lacked a proper batsman at No.5 in the home Ashes series. They asked Steve Smith to bat at No.5 and they didn’t have a clear idea about No.5 batsman. So Australia needs a settled player at No.5.

But if Shaun Marsh is ruled out, Australia doesn’t have a proper batsman at No.5 who could play a sheet anchor’s role. Clarke would be running out of ideas and he may shuffle the batting order as he did in England. So, if there is one proper batsman settled guys like Steve Smith would feel confident enough to play his strokes freely.

Shaun Marsh’s exclusion may give room for Alex Doolan at No. 5

Australia have also spoken about the possible replacement for Shaun Marsh. Philip Hughes is the possible replacement for Shaun Marsh. It’s a wise decision by selectors as the latter has played 26 Test matches for Australia and accumulated 1535 runs with the best of 160. But the problem is Hughes is an opening batsman. Australia should have named a middle order batsman to replace Marsh. Now this gives room for Alex Doolan to get game.

Alex Doolan has batted at No.4 for Tasmania, and would have been considered as a No.6 batsman. With Steve Smith in the line-up, Doolan wouldn’t have been considered. With the injury of Marsh, it gives room for Doolan to play for Australia at No.5. He can read the situation better than Hughes and bat accordingly. Since Hughes is an opener, he may not be able to adjust his game according to the situation.

It will be interesting to see the No.5 spot. Will Alex Doolan get a game? Or, will Shaun Marsh pass his fitness Test? Lots to look forward.