Test great Justin Langer says it's rubbish for anyone to suggest Shaun Marsh's international cricket career is over.
Marsh was overlooked for the first Test against New Zealand starting on Thursday but Langer says the 32-year-old batsman has plenty left to give on the international stage.
"People say it's the end of his career. I think it's rubbish," Langer said of Marsh, who posted two centuries in the recent One-Day Cup.
"Shaun's still got a lot of cricket left in him. He's batting as well as he's batted since I've seen him play as a kid. Hopefully this will keep him hungry."
Marsh made just 0 and 2 in his sole Ashes outing earlier this year.
But with the Test team in a state of flux, he remains in contention for a recall this summer if he can post some big scores on the domestic scene.
With Adam Voges on Test duties this week, Marsh will captain Western Australia in their Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at Adelaide Oval, starting on Friday.
Opener Cameron Bancroft will also play in the match after being overlooked for a Test debut in favour of Joe Burns.
Bancroft made 10 and 15 in WA's Shield win over Tasmania last week and chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said the 22-year-old was a few hundreds shy of earning a Test call-up.
Langer feels it's just a matter of time before Bancroft gets his hands on a baggy green cap.
"I thought Bancroft was an absolute shoo-in. I thought 100 per cent he was going to open the first Test match," Langer said.
"The opportunity was so close. I think maybe he tried too hard and tensed up a little bit (in the recent Shield match).
"That's so natural. Now it's just a matter of getting back to what's worked so well for him in the last 12 months.
"If he just relaxes and plays, he'll score runs. If he scores runs, he'll get selected."
Will Bosisto and Tom Beaton will replace Test pair Voges and Mitch Marsh for the match against South Australia, while pace duo David Moody and Joel Paris will vie for the spot left vacant by Mitchell Johnson.
South Australia will be aiming to bounce back from last week's 215-run loss to NSW.
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