Andrew McDonald's revelation about Mitch Marsh before fifth Ashes Test

The burgeoning injury crisis facing Australia ahead of the Ashes finale hasn't been lost on head coach Andrew McDonald, with a variety of big moves being weighed up before the fifth Test at the Oval. Already absent the injured Nathan Lyon, the Aussies are exploring the possibility of playing Mitch Marsh as a specialist batter with both he and Mitchell Starc sore and sorry following the washout at Old Trafford.

While the Ashes have been retained under somewhat fortunate circumstances for the visitors, the Aussies are determined to win the series outright. That task could be made somewhat more difficult with Starc carrying a shoulder complaint in the wake of the fourth Test. As a result it has brought all-rounder Michael Neser into the frame, who has enjoyed a standout season in England's County Championship.

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Off-spinner Todd Murphy, who was left out of the fourth Test, could make a return on the traditionally spin friendly wicket at The Oval, forcing a potential selection squeeze with Australian medicos confident Starc will be fit to bowl after playing out what remained of the fourth Test.

Marsh is also under an injury cloud of his own following the Manchester washout, with concerns over his ability to bowl in the series finale. He spent a decent amount of time off the field at Old Trafford after suffering from stiffness, ultimately not bowling any further overs as a result.

If Marsh does play, having demonstrated some impressive form with the bat since being recalled for the third Test, it could force fellow all-rounder Cameron Green out of the lineup. McDonald said that while a decision was yet to be made, depending on the pitch the visitors would be comfortable with three seamers in Pat Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, as well as Murphy.

"He's a little bit sore, hence why he was off the field. So I'm not going to hide that," McDonald said of Marsh. "Does it impact his position in the team? I think the team has played three quicks and one spinner, if we go that way, numerous times in the past.

"We have had the luxury of allrounders, or in particular Cameron Green, that's changed the shape of the team over time. But I mean, runs are premium first and foremost."

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If a selection squeeze is in place between Marsh and Green, the former has made a near-irresistible case to be the front-runner. After he scored 118 while filling in for Green at Headingley, Australia may not have retained the Ashes with a draw at Old Trafford if not for Marsh's unbeaten 31 on day four.

In contrast, Green has not had the series he would have liked, averaging 20.6 with the bat and taking four wickets at 47 with the ball. Green has had an incredibly busy six months, between the home summer in Australia followed by commitments in the Indian Premier League, however McDonald maintained that his struggles with the bat were not down to a lack of effort, comparing his work to that of Steve Smith.

"People probably draw some conclusions that that's affected the way he's gone about things here," McDonald said. "But it's a little bit like Steve Smith, I think he's in a good space.

"He's working hard on his game. A lot of our batters are working on the right things and the way they go about it and runs are just around the corner."

With AAP

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