Why Marsh’s bowling complicates Test selection dilemma

Mitch Marsh’s bowling workload is set to play a crucial role in Australia’s selection puzzle, as officials weigh up how to treat Cameron Green’s back injury.

Cricket Australia will determine a plan for Green in coming days, including whether the star allrounder requires surgery on the stress fracture in his back.

Regardless, it now appears almost certain he will not bowl against India for the first part of this summer, and may not figure at all in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

That in itself will leave selectors with a number of questions ahead of Australia’s first Test against India starting November 22 in Perth.

Green’s injury could theoretically open the door for Australia to bring a specialist opener back into the side, allowing Steve Smith to drop back to No.4.

Marcus Harris has already made his case for selection after starting the Sheffield Shield with a century, while Matt Renshaw is back opening for Queensland.

Cameron Bancroft is the other option, having been the form opener in the Shield for the past two seasons before being overlooked last summer.

But selecting a specialist opener would likely place a heavy reliance on Marsh and his 32-year-old body.

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins had stated in August the importance of having extra bowling options this summer, given India’s ability to bat long periods.

Green and Marsh only averaged five overs each per Test last summer, but those numbers were expected to increase against India.

“We haven’t had to use them as much as we thought we would, which is a great thing,” Cummins said.

“The last couple of summers have been pretty light, quick Test matches.

“I suspect this summer might be a bit different at times. We’ll be drawing on Cam Green and Mitch Marsh a bit more.”

Green’s injury, ahead of a five-Test series squeezed into seven weeks, changes that.

Marsh has only bowled more than 10 overs in a Test match once since his return in last year’s Ashes.

He has also only bowled 21 overs in 40 white-ball matches during that time, while spending time playing as a batter due to fitness concerns.

And while Nathan Lyon can work through long spells, the lack of a fifth bowler could place extra pressure on the team’s aging pace attack.

If Australia did opt to bring in an allrounder, it would mean Smith would have to remain as opener unless Travis Head or Marnus Labuschagne is moved into the role.

Aaron Hardie would likely be the front runner to debut.

The West Australian has missed the opening round of the Shield with a minor quad injury, but is expected to return for WA’s next game against Tasmania on October 20.

Michael Neser could also feature given he has averaged 36.25 with the bat in recent seasons, despite previously being viewed as a bowling-allrounder at Test level.

Tasmania’s Beau Webster could potentially loom as the other option, as the Shield’s leading run-scorer last summer while also taking 30 wickets at 29.30.