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Australia boosted by Marsh update

Key batter firms for Pakistan Tests as medicos deem no surgery required on injured shoulder

Australia's undermanned Test batting line-up has received a boost with the news Shaun Marsh is on track to be fit for their Test series against Pakistan in October.

Marsh returned home last week after injuring his left shoulder playing for Glamorgan in English county cricket, raising concerns that he would be ruled out for an extended period.

But Cricket Australia's medicos have determined the left-hander won't need surgery and they are confident he will be fit for the two-Test campaign in the UAE.

With Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft all suspended, Marsh looms as a crucial figure in a Test side that will play against Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka while the banned trio are sidelined.

Marsh enjoyed a breakout Ashes campaign last summer and along with Glenn Maxwell is one of just two CA contracted players to have scored a Test century in Asia.

In other news, left-arm quick Joel Paris has been added to the Australia A one-day squad for their upcoming series in India. The WA paceman was already part of the squad for the four-day matches on that tour.

2016: Paris destroys Tigers in Matador Cup

Young WA fast bowler Cameron Green and Victoria allrounder Jonathan Merlo have also been added to the one-day A squad, but the duo are not expected to play and will tour to gain experience.

"Shaun consulted a specialist in relation to his AC joint injury and it was determined that surgery is not required," CA's medical officer John Orchard said of Marsh.

"He'll now undergo rehabilitation with a focus on ensuring he is available for selection ahead of the next away tour against Pakistan."

Green tears apart Tigers on debut

Speaking to cricket.com.au last week, Marsh's brother Mitchell said last season's Ashes series underlined his older sibling's importance to the Australian side.

"We've seen the player that Shaun has become over the last 12 to 18 months," he said.

"We've seen a real mature side to his game ... and a real sense of confidence in himself which is probably the whole reason why he's developed into one of the best players in Australian cricket, even when Smith and Warner are there.

"His experience and leadership is going to be really important over the next 12 months for this group. It's been great to watch him getting a good crack at it over the last 12 months so hopefully he can keep it going."

The Over: Jonathan Merlo

Shaun Marsh found a home at No.5 in the Test team last summer, but could be an option to open in the absence of Warner and Bancroft.

Queensland duo Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns opened in the Johannesburg Test in March after Warner and Bancroft were rubbed out, but the fact Burns was left out of the Aus A squad indicates he's got plenty to do to force his way into Justin Langer's side.

Langer has indicated the A tour will be an important selection trial for the UAE series and the likes of Renshaw, the younger Marsh brother, Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb will all get a chance to impress in that series.

Shaun Marsh is considered one of Australia's best players of spin and scored Test hundreds in Sri Lanka in 2011 and 2016.

Australia A Tour of India

Australia A four-day squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Joel Paris, Kurtis Patterson, Matthew Renshaw, Mitch Swepson, Chris Tremain

Australia A one-day squad: Travis Head (c), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Jhye Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitch Swepson, Chris Tremain, Jack Wildermuth

Schedule

One-day fixtures in Vijayawada

17 August v India A

19 August v South Africa A

23 August v India A

25 August v South Africa A

29 August – Tri-Series Final

Four-day fixtures in Vizag

2 – 5 September v India A

8 – 11 September v India A