Michael Clarke has not seen a ball of Australia's series against Pakistan but has backed under-fire batsman Shaun Marsh to salvage his Test career.
The former Australian captain admits he has paid little attention to the team's plight in the UAE.
"I've been quite busy. I know the first Test was a draw but I didnt see any of that," Clarke told AAP on Thursday.
Despite being out of the cricket loop and not being aware of Marsh's struggles in the middle, the 115-Test veteran believes his former teammate can respond.
"In my time playing with Shaun and captaining Shaun he was a wonderful team man and a very good player," Clake said.
"I've got no doubt he will stand up, and if he hasn't been making runs, lock him in for a 100 next time he bats."
Marsh enjoyed a brilliant 2017-18 Ashes series, scoring two hundreds against England.
But since smashing 156 at the SCG in January, the 35-year-old hasn't passed 50 in 11 innings and is averaging 3.3 during the Pakistan series after being promoted to No.3.
Marsh's most recent form slump has cast serious doubt on his position in the team for Australia's home summer.
Test legend Mike Hussey believes Australia will consider dropping Marsh for the four-Test series against India, starting at the Adelaide Oval in December.
"At the end of the day, you do need to be scoring runs," Hussey said while commentating for Wisden Radio on Wednesday.
"There's going to be a lot of discussion about his place in the team."
Marsh's career average sits at 36.4 from 33 Tests.
