PERTH, Australia: Skipper Steve Smith says he is leaning towards playing all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as Australia’s fifth bowler in Thursday’s potentially Ashes-deciding third Test against England in Perth.
Smith declined to finalise an Australian XI at his Test-eve media conference Wednesday as selectors mull over the merits of struggling batsman Peter Handscomb and local star Marsh.Handscomb’s place is under threat after a total of 62 runs in three innings in the series after a difficult Adelaide second Test in which his batting technique came under the microscope.
If recalled, it would be the first appearance for Marsh since a shoulder injury mid-way through Australia’s Test series in India earlier this year.His chances have improved through his ability to provide a fifth bowling option to support Australia’s pace attack on what is expected to be a flat WACA wicket.
England, rattled by off-field booze-related incidents, face the prospect of losing the series in Perth where they have not beaten Australia since 1978. Smith admitted that changing a winning team while leading 2-0 in the five-Test series would be a tough call on Handscomb, who averages 47.35 in his 12 Test appearances.
Poland's players celebrate their victory. — AFP/FileCARDIFF: Poland’s Wojciech Szczesny saved a Daniel James spot...
Rybakina, who will meet Victoria Azarenka for a place in the final, needed nearly three hours to beat Sakkari
Qatar's forward Almoez Ali reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC qualifiers football match between Qatar and...
This representational image shows a living room. — Pixabay/FilePARIS: Like many Parisians, Martin Cassan will be...
They will be in Group E with Belgium, Slovakia and Romania, who they face in their opening game in Munich on June 17
Tony Finau of The United States plays his tee shot on the fifth hole during the first round of the 2023 Masters...