Save our SoS: Marsh not done yet

Shaun Marsh is prepared to be flexible in his final few chances to remind national selectors of his one-day credentials ahead of the World Cup.

In the space of three games from a suddenly resurgent Australian 50-over outfit, the side's standout batsman over an unprecedented stretch of poor results has gone from all but indispensable to potentially surplus to requirements.

Against three of the four top-ranked teams currently in the world (England, South Africa and India) during an eight-ODI stretch between June last year and January, Marsh struck four centuries - two of them in the United Kingdom, the venue for this year's World Cup.

He scored more runs (577 at 72.12) than Australia's next two best batters combined in that period.

But Australia's stirring series win after being 0-2 down in India, where Marsh was dropped for the deciding fifth ODI following contributions of 16, 7 and 6, has changed the landscape dramatically.

Usman Khawaja scored the most runs ever by an Australian in a five-match ODI series in India, while Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell and Ashton Turner all advanced their cases with important contributions.

"It was tough but the guys were playing some fantastic cricket over there and I guess someone had to miss out," Marsh said of his omission for the fifth and deciding ODI against India. "I was just happy the team performed really well.

"We did something we hadn't done for a long time over there and to win an Indian series and be part of that was still great fun.

"(Selector chief Trevor Hohns) was really positive. He just said it was a tough decision to make and be ready for Dubai - hopefully you'll get an opportunity there."

As Marsh is well aware, the pending returns of Steve Smith and David Warner is set to create a further squeeze come the World Cup.

"There's going to be players who miss out, no doubt. We've got two world-class players coming back in," the 35-year-old told reporters in Dubai, a short hike from Sharjah where Australia will begin another five-game campaign against a depleted Pakistan side on Friday.

Australia's brief encounter at the team hotel with their former captain and deputy, both of whom were en route to Indian Premier League stints that serve as the final acts of their international exiles, provided the squad with a palpable reminder of the looming reshuffle.

For his part, Marsh is confident his good 50-over form hasn't deserted him.

The most recent of those four centuries came in January in sweltering Adelaide heat against India's star bowling attack just days after learning of his axing from the Test side.

"I felt good heading into the (India ODI tour) games - so I certainly didn't think (negatively)," he continued.

"I felt like I had good rhythm. Hopefully if I get an opportunity in these games I can get some runs on the board.

"The wickets over here will be pretty good. They usually are in Dubai for one-day cricket. So I'll just be doing the same sort of stuff that I've been doing over the last 12 months.

"It's worked for me, so I won't change too much."

While Marsh will likely initially get his chance back at the top of Australia's order for the coming series, he's confident he can be effective wherever he bats.

Australia will have a glut of batsmen jostling for limited top-order World Cup spots in captain Aaron Finch along with Khawaja, Warner, Smith and even potentially Hansdcomb, Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, who all batted in the top four at different times in India.

While Marsh has either opened or batted at first drop in 53 of his 65 ODI innings, his career returns when batting in positions four to seven (two tons and an average of 44.75) have been encouraging.

"Over my one-day career I think I've batted from one down to six - so I like to think I'm nice and flexible in a batting order," he added. "But we'll see what happens.

"If that's what they wanted me to do, I've been around long enough now.

"It's my 19th year (since his first-class debut), so I've got a lot of experience and I'd like to think that would count."

Qantas Tour of the UAE

First ODI: v Pakistan, March 22 in Sharjah

Second ODI: v Pakistan, March 24 in Sharjah

Third ODI: v Pakistan, March 27 in Abu Dhabi

Fourth ODI: v Pakistan, March 29 in Dubai

Fifth ODI: v Pakistan, March 31 in Dubai