Clarke tips selectors to ‘pick and stick’

Recently retired captain Michael Clarke expects the selectors to "pick and stick" with a new-look Australia Test team and believes Shaun Marsh should get first crack at the vacant opener spot.

Clarke said on Wednesday he had no regrets about his decision to retire from international cricket after the recent Ashes series loss in England and wasn't thinking yet about returning to the game in any form, with his wife Kyly due to have their first child soon.

The recent retirements of Clarke, opener Chris Rogers, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, allrounder Shane Watson and Ryan Harris mean Australia’s selectors will be looking at fresh faces for the Commonwealth Bank Test series against New Zealand, beginning November 5 in Brisbane.

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Clarke said the squad they chose for the recently-postponed Test tour of Bangladesh contained a lot of talent and he expected the selectors to settle on a side rather than changing players through the series against the Black Caps.

"I think they will pick and stick,” Clarke said. “I think they will keep the faith. I think they probably need to now, because we've lost five guys (who) have walked away from our last series."

He believed Marsh should be given the chance to fill the opening spot left vacant by Rogers.

"I would like to see Shaun Marsh certainly get an opportunity,” he added. “I still think he has got a lot of runs left in him.”

The 32-year-old left-hander began his summer in impressive fashion with 109 in the Alcohol.Think Again Western Warriors' first Matador Cup outing on Monday against the West End Redbacks, but faces stiff competition for a berth in Australia’s top six.

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A crop of batting talents have also put their hands up for selection in recent times, with Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja and Joe Burns among the front-runners with Marsh to accompany captain Steve Smith, opener David Warner and the experienced Adam Voges all potential selections for the first Test against New Zealand.

Bancroft made a Warriors-record 176 against the Redbacks on Monday to do his selection claims no harm, while Bulls opener Burns made a duck as his teammate Khawaja watched on from the sidelines as he continues recovery from a hamstring strain.

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Clarke recently withdrew from this summer's KFC Big Bash League competition and denied a rumour linking him with English county side Somerset.

"I haven't spoken to anybody in regards to committing to any sort of cricket at this stage," Clarke said.

"When I announced my retirement I knew I was doing it for the right reasons. I thought hard about it before making the decision.

"I'm really comfortable with that, I have no regrets.

"I haven't thought about cricket too much since I've come back to Australia. I've made it pretty clear I want some time away from the game."