Shaun Marsh Steps Up at Vital Time for Australia at MCG

Shaun Marsh has always been regarded as a talented batsman, but with his unbeaten 62 for Australia against India, he went a long way towards fulfilling that promise.

Marsh came to the crease in the second innings in Melbourne with the hosts 131-3—ahead by 196 runs but up against a motivated and talented bowling attack that was making inroads.

In the course of his 131 balls during the day, Marsh did play and miss on a number of occasions, but by occupying the crease effectively and reasoning that the runs would come.

He clearly learned plenty from opener Chris Rogers, who earlier in the day battled hard for 69 at the top of the order and made life difficult for his opponents.

Now, Marsh has taken up the mantle and did so at a time when Australia were looking in a decent position but struggled slightly to put together many partnerships.

Rogers and David Warner looked strong opening the innings, but once the latter was dismissed, Shane Watson and Steve Smith followed for only a few runs apiece.

Debutant Joe Burns was also guilty of wasting a good start, meaning Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson had to play defensive innings to help support Marsh.

Perhaps most symbolic of the importance of Marsh’s innings for both his team and himself is the fact that this is his first Test half-century on home soil.

He had already made two Test centuries away from home, on the batsman-friendly grounds of Centurion in South Africa and Pallekele in Sri Lanka.

However, at home he had never made more than 32, a knock he made twice earlier in this series, in Brisbane and in the first innings of the Melbourne Test.

With so much debate going on about the lineup of Australia’s team, in particular their batsman, this knock came at a perfect time.

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Brought in as a replacement for captain Michael Clarke, Marsh was under some pressure to deliver and show himself to be capable of doing well in international cricket.

He had already proven himself in the limited-overs formats, having looked hugely impressive in the Indian Premier League and in one-day internationals.

However, Test cricket is a completely different kettle of fish, and up until recently he had never quite delivered on his promise.

In making this battling innings against a strong bowing attack—albeit on a pitch that is flattening out—Marsh has shown himself capable of adapting to the situation.

He had to work incredibly hard for his runs, and was forced to be watchful at times as India made his stay at the crease very tough indeed.

In getting through to the close and helping the Baggy Green to a lead of 326 with three wickets in hand, he has finally started to show what he can do in the longest form.

With Clarke’s status still up in the air, Marsh has given a timely reminder of his talents to the selectors, and it could be a vital contribution if Australia are to come out on top.