Recalled Test batsman Shaun Marsh addresses beating state teammate to contentious No.6 spot
'I feel for Hilts': Marsh
Ashes-bound veteran Shaun Marsh says he feels for Hilton Cartwright after pipping his Western Australia teammate to Australia's No.6 spot.
Marsh was a selection surprise when Australia named its 13-man squad on Friday for the first Test of the Magellan Ashes series against England.
The veteran left-hander beat the likes of Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell and a host of other contenders for the No.6 position that been advertised as wide open by selectors.
Cartwright has played two Tests for Australia this year - making his debut against Pakistan at the SCG before earning a recall in Australia's most recent Test in Bangladesh - and looked to be in the box seat to retain his spot.
But a pair of ducks in last week's JLT Sheffield Shield clash with NSW cruelled his chances.
Marsh, who struck a second-innings 91 in that game against a star-studded Blues attack, said it was a hard situation knowing he had beaten a friend for the Ashes berth.
"Obviously it's tough. I feel for Hilts," Marsh said.
"He's a teammate, he's a mate. I'm sure he'll bounce back really strong.
"He's got a long career for Australia in front of him. I'm sure he'll get back in there at some stage."
Marsh has been recalled to the Test XI eight times during his stop-start career.
And he knows that at 34 years of age, he won't get back into the squad again if his latest chance is spurned by injury or poor form.
"I'm probably aware of that," Marsh said.
"It's not bothering me. I just want to go there and give it a real good crack.
"I'm hitting the ball well, I'm feeling really confident.
"I'm not putting too much pressure on myself, and it seems to be working.
"I've been on tour to England with an Ashes series, so I know how big that series is.
"Hopefully I can bring some experience there and try to stay nice and relaxed and just have a bit of fun."
Marsh has played just 23 Tests since making his debut in 2011.
Despite entering the twilight of his career, he feels he still has more to give in the Test arena.
And as for his Baggy Green?
"It was tucked away. I had to dust it off a little bit. It's in the backpack now," he said.
2017-18 International Fixtures:
Magellan Ashes Series
First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets
Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets
Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets
Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets
Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets
Gillette ODI Series v England
First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets
Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets
Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets
Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets
Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF
Prime Minister's XI
PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets
Gillette T20 INTL Series
First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets
Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets
Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets
Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13
Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16
Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18
Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21