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Marsh backed to produce the goods

The elder Marsh is enduring a lean run with the bat, but Michael Klinger believes the end is in sight

Veteran batsman Shaun Marsh is a shoo-in for the four-Test Qantas tour of India, and he's on the verge or ending his horror form with the bat, according to stand-in Perth Scorchers skipper Michael Klinger.

Marsh has endured a lean run since returning from a broken finger in late December.

In five KFC Big Bash League matches for the Scorchers this summer, Marsh has scored just 59 runs.

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His highest score in that period was run-a-ball 32 in a loss to the Heat, and all of his other knocks have been single-digit failures.

Marsh is set to retain his spot at the top of the order for Saturday night's clash with the Melbourne Stars at the WACA, and Klinger has no doubt the 33-year-old will break out of his form slump soon.

"Shaun's still one of the best T20 players in Australia," Klinger said on Friday.

"He'll come good. I've got no doubt he'll win us a game over the next couple of weeks with the bat.

"Batting at the top, you've got to take risks and you've got to get off to a good start. Sometimes you get on a bit of a run where it doesn't work out."

The success of Test newcomers Matt Renshaw and Peter Hanscomb has cast doubt on Marsh's future prospects in the baggy green.

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But Klinger is certain Marsh's prowess in the subcontinent will win him a berth for the upcoming tour of India.

"I think it's a given," Klinger said.

"His record over in subcontinent conditions are superb.

"Whether he gets into the XI in the first Test or whether he's just a squad member to start with, there's no doubt he'll go on the tour."

The Scorchers sit on top of the BBL ladder with a 4-2 record, while the Stars (3-2) are in fourth.

Fans will be hoping to see an enthralling battle between former Ashes enemies Mitchell Johnson (Scorchers) and Kevin Pietersen (Stars) on Saturday night.

The Scorchers will be without wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman, who was concussed in Wednesday's win over the Heat.