Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, has hinted that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh could still make a comeback to the Test squad for the Ashes, despite being dropped earlier this year.
Marsh, 33, was axed after a poor run of form in the Test series against India and was later left out of the Sri Lanka tour due to a back injury. Though he has been playing in the IPL, he has been limited to batting for Lucknow Super Giants.
However, selectors have shown faith in him by retaining him on the national contract list for the 2025/26 season.
“I don’t think his Test career is over,” Bailey told reporters. “He wasn’t scoring the runs we wanted, but he’s got a rare ability to change the game with the bat. Against a team like England, his skill set could be a real asset.”
Marsh has performed exceptionally well against England in the past, boasting an average of 47.07 in 10 Tests, compared to his overall career average of 28.53. But with Cameron Green returning from back surgery and Beau Webster impressing in recent matches, breaking back into the squad won’t be easy.
Rising Star Konstas Earns First Australia Contract
While Marsh fights for a return, 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas has been rewarded with his first national contract.
Konstas made headlines with a brilliant 60 on his Test debut against India in Melbourne but was later dropped for the Sri Lanka series. He now joins Matt Kuhnemann and Beau Webster as the three new faces on the contract list.
“Sam has huge potential. We see him growing as a top player at both domestic and international levels,” Bailey said.
Kuhnemann’s contract comes after he was recently cleared of a suspect bowling action, following a stellar 16-wicket haul in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Webster has shown promise with both bat and ball since making his debut against India.
With 20 out of 23 players retaining their contracts, the selectors have favored stability over change. However, Bailey hinted that fresh faces could get opportunities in the upcoming three-Test series against West Indies.
“The way we structure the team for the WTC final against South Africa may be different from the West Indies tour,” he added.
As Australia gears up for a busy season, all eyes will be on Marsh, Konstas, and other rising talents to see if they can cement their place in the squad.
