‘Marsh in line for Test recall’

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.