New Delhi, Nov 19 (NationPress) Mitchell Marsh is once again in the mix for the Ashes, as Australia’s T20I captain prepares for a surprising re-entry into Sheffield Shield cricket in early December, possibly taking on a new role at the top of the batting order.

The 34-year-old all-rounder has not participated in a first-class match since being dropped after last year’s Boxing Day Test and has not played for Western Australia in the Sheffield since October 2024. Earlier this month, he humorously stated that he would be “six beers deep” in the stands for the first Test in Perth.

However, he is now anticipated to participate in WA’s round-six match against Victoria at the MCG starting December 4, following a one-day game against them on December 2, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.

Although Marsh previously downplayed any discussions regarding a Test return and was reluctant to commit to more first-class cricket, selectors have kept him in their plans. Chairman of selectors George Bailey mentioned back in April that Marsh’s Test career was “not over,” and behind the scenes, the committee had been strategizing to keep him in red-ball contention due to his exceptional white-ball form and proven performance against fast bowling — a crucial element of England’s Ashes strategy.

Coach Andrew McDonald recently reiterated that selectors would be “comfortable” to pick Marsh if required, even though he was not included in the squad for the first Test.

A significant question now is where Marsh will bat. He has never opened in 210 first-class innings, and has only batted at No. 3 three times — once for Australia and twice in tour matches during the 2019 Ashes. He has never batted higher than No. 4 for WA, but with the state’s middle order in uncertainty and Marsh available for only one Shield match before the BBL and T20 World Cup, selectors may consider discussing a trial for him higher in the order.

Such a decision would disrupt WA’s long-standing championship-winning partnership of Sam Whiteman and Cameron Bancroft. However, with increasing doubts about Usman Khawaja’s ability to endure the Ashes at age 39, and with Jake Weatherald potentially debuting as Australia’s seventh different opening partner in 16 Tests, options are limited.

Former captain and selector Greg Chappell has already publicly endorsed Marsh to open in Perth, despite his modest Test average of 28.53 and lackluster returns at Nos. 3-5. His finest performances have come at No. 6, where he has secured all three of his Test centuries.

Marsh will not be available as an all-rounder, as his bowling remains “offline” due to a back injury that sidelined him from the Champions Trophy, with no timeline on when — or if — he will bowl again.

Meanwhile, reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is set to play for the Cricket Australia XI against the England Lions at Lilac Hill on Friday, batting high in the order to maximize his time at the crease.

Inglis is currently in Perth as concussion cover, having played in the last Test in Jamaica and batted at No. 4 in the first Test against the West Indies when Steven Smith was injured. Similar to Marsh, Inglis has never opened in first-class cricket, with all eight of his centuries coming from No. 5 or lower.