5 players who can earn an Ashes spot on the basis of their JLT Cup performance

Western Australia cruised to the JLT One-Day Cup title on the back of a match-winning knock by Mitchell Marsh in the final against South Australia. Throughout the tournament, WA dominated and their six-wicket win at Blundstone Arena in Hobart was evidence of their dominance.

The tournament was also filled with plenty of consistent performers, some of whom managed to catch the eye of the Australian selectors ahead of the Ashes that begins next month. While some might not make it into the side due to the wealth of talent that Australia possesses, others might just make it due to the glaring deficiencies in the current Australian Test team.

Here are 5 players who can earn an Ashes spot on the basis of their JLT Cup performance:

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Mitchell Marsh

If there is one area that Australia are desperately looking for a solution to, it is the No.6 spot and a genuine all-rounder. Captain of the victorious WA side, Mitchell Marsh might be the ideal candidate to fill that void especially on the back of his recent performances.

Considering the fragile nature of the Australian middle-order, they are looking for someone in good form with the bat, who can also contribute with the ball. The Man of the Match in the final, Mitch Marsh was dismissed just twice in the entire tournament where he scored 338 runs at an average of 169 with a century, two fifties and a strike rate in excess of 110.

With a strong bowling attack, Marsh might well be the ideal candidate to fill the No.6 spot

Usman Khawaja

Khawaja looks set to take the No.3 spot

For someone who has nearly 7,500 first-class runs, Usman Khawaja still hasn't managed to nail down a spot in the Australian Test side. The southpaw has been in and out of the Test side and while he played in the series against Bangladesh, his record hasn't been especially impressive and hence there have been question marks about his selection for the Ashes.

However, his record in home conditions are still very good and a strong performance in the JLT One-Day Cup, where he finished as the third-leading run-getter in the tournament only highlights those credentials. While Queensland didn't have a great outing in the tournament, Khawaja continued to show just why the Australian selectors seem to keep persisting with him, with some stunning strokes and massive scores.

In six matches, he finished with 380 runs at an average of 63.33 with a century and two fifties, which should be enough to assure him of him just a spot in the squad, but also the No.3 slot in the side.

Nic Maddinson

Maddinson is in splendid form

Only one batsman scored more runs than Nic Maddinson in the JLT One-Day Cup. With a couple of centuries and almost 400 runs, the southpaw has certainly done all that he can to ensure that he gets an Ashes call-up.

His impressive run has ensured that he opens for New South Wales in their opening game of this year's Sheffield Shield along with David Warner and a strong performance in the first couple of rounds with several Australian stars by his side, might just be what the doctor ordered for him.

Maddinson's versatility makes him an invaluable asset to the Australian Test side. The fact that he is in great form is just another added bonus.

Peter Siddle

Siddle's economical style could be just what the doctor ordered for Australia

All the talk going into the Ashes has been about the pace quartet of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and James Pattinson. However, injuries have meant that the quartet are unlikely to feature together. And that means there is an opening in the fast bowling department.

While Peter Siddle crossed 32-years of age in November 2016, he is still the most experienced active Test bowler in the country. With 62 Tests to his name, the right-arm pacer has a proven track record and can perform the role of the workhorse seamer while the others are used in bursts.

But the main reason he is suddenly back in contention is his performance in the JLT One-Day Cup, where he finished with 9 wickets in seven matches. But the most impressive aspect of his performance was his economy rate of just 3.95 was the lowest of any bowler in the tournament to have taken two or more wickets.

Against an England batting line-up that is known for its attacking tendencies, it makes sense to have someone who can keep things quiet and also chip in with wickets.

Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh was the Man of the Series in the JLT One-Day Cup

The fragility of the Australian middle-order over the last year has meant that they are constantly on the lookout for someone who can churn out runs for fun. Shaun Marsh has certainly been doing just that for Western Australia in the JLT Cup, where he was one of the main reasons for their triumph.

Although he played against India earlier in the year, Shaun Marsh has almost disappeared from the selectors' radars since then as he didn't feature in the squad for the Bangladesh series. However, 412 runs at an average of over 80 with a century and three fifties is just the kind of form that will get him back to the Australian Test side.

He also has the backing of Justin Langer, and his versatility means that he could fit in just as well anywhere in the middle-order.