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Mitch Marsh wants a brotherly Christmas

Usman Khawaja's expected return from injury means either Shaun Marsh or Joe Burns will be dropped for the Boxing Day Test against the West Indies.

Australian Test players Mitch (R) and Shaun (L) Marsh
Allrounder Mitch Marsh (R) wants his brother Shaun (L) kept in the Test team for Boxing Day. (AAP)

All-rounder Mitch Marsh has one big request for Santa - keep his brother Shaun in the Test side.

Shaun Marsh is facing the axe for the Boxing Day Test against the West Indies despite a career-high 182 in the series opener in Hobart.

Usman Khawaja's impending return from a hamstring injury means selectors face the tough decision to drop either Marsh or opener Joe Burns, who started the Test summer with 71 and 129 against New Zealand.

Mitch's strong form with the ball means he has done enough to guarantee his own spot, despite his lean patch with the bat.

And he's hoping his brother Shaun will join him for the Boxing Day Test.

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"There's going to be someone who's unlucky to miss out," Marsh said on Friday.

"And whoever that is, it's a great sign for Australian cricket now we've got guys fighting for a couple of spots.

"Luckily that decision is above my pay grade, so I don't have to make it. But you obviously want your brother in the team.

"At the end of the day, he's done all he can. He's come off 180 and selection's not his issue. Hopefully he'll get the nod."

Both Mitch and Shaun Marsh will front for the Perth Scorchers in Monday night's clash with the Adelaide Strikers at the WACA Ground.

The Scorchers have also been bolstered by the return of Adam Voges and Nathan Coulter-Nile from Test duties, giving the defending champions a full-strength line-up.

Mitch Marsh reportedly encountered some soreness during the recent Test win over the West Indies but the 24-year-old said he was feeling fresh and ready to fire for the Scorchers.

"I had three days pretty much sitting down," Marsh said of the recent Test mauling of the West Indies.

"I watched Shaun and Vogesy bat for seven hours and then had to bowl about eight overs. I was ready to go for this game all along.

"I'm raring to go."


2 min read

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Source: AAP


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