Test great Justin Langer says he was left shocked by Shaun Marsh's ODI snub, claiming the 32-year-old still has plenty to offer in the short-form arena.
Marsh was unlucky to miss out on selection for Australia's five-match one-day series against England, starting on September 3.
The classy left-hander has averaged 39.8 across his 46 ODIs.
In his sole ODI appearance this year, Marsh scored 45 off 48 balls in a three-wicket win over England.
Marsh is currently with the Test team in England, and Warriors coach Langer was left flabbergasted when he found out his star batsman failed to make the ODI squad.
"I don't know what the reason is ... but I'm shocked," Langer said.
"I can't imagine it's an age thing. They've got guys who are older in that squad.
"He's only 32 years old, and he's in unbelievable physical condition.
"I mean, he's got skinnies (skin folds) of about 40 at the moment.
"He also missed out on the World Cup, and I think he's just such a dominant shorter-form cricketer.
"I'm really amazed."
In better news for WA cricket, spinner Ashton Agar and all-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile earned call-ups alongside Mitch Marsh.
Langer said the penny had finally dropped for Coulter-Nile, who has been struck down by soft tissue injuries in recent seasons.
"He's a supremely fit athlete now," Langer said.
"That's probably something that he had to work on.
"He's probably as quick as anyone going around in the country at the moment.
"He's also an unbelievable fieldsman."
Langer was thrilled to learn of Agar's call-up.
Agar hit international headlines two years ago when he made 98 while batting at No.11 in his Test debut.
The 21-year-old experienced a severe drop-off after that point.
But he's bounced back with a vengeance over the past nine months, with his hot form rewarded with a maiden call-up to the ODI squad.
"He's a much more rounded player and person now," Langer said.
Share
