Watson a phone call away: Marsh

Australian allrounder Mitchell Marsh says help from retired mentor Shane Watson is just a phone call away ahead of the first trans-Tasman Test.

Australia's Shane Watson.

Help from Shane Watson (pic) is just a phone call away, Test all-rounder Mitchell Marsh says. (AAP)

Help from Shane Watson is just a phone call away, budding Australian Test all-rounder Mitchell Marsh says.

And he may be tempted to have him on speed dial if his batting fortunes do not change in the first Test against New Zealand at the Gabba starting on Thursday.

Marsh says he has received plenty of support from Watson as he prepares to take up the Test all-rounder mantle from his retired mentor.

"He was great. The biggest thing about the all-rounder (role) is getting everything done at training," Marsh said.

"He (Watson) had the perfect balance and was great to learn off.

"We'll miss his experience around this team but I've always got his number for a chat if I need to.

"We've got a great relationship and I can call him any time."

He may ring soon for batting tips.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann admitted this week they had contemplated demoting Marsh to No.7 against New Zealand after a woeful Ashes with the bat.

He made just 48 runs at 12 in three Tests but took eight wickets at 18.

Overall Marsh has 310 runs at 28.18 with a solitary 50 from seven Tests.

Marsh claimed he would have no problem being demoted with the bat.

"I'll bat at 11 if I have to. As an allrounder you want to be batting in the top six," Marsh said.

"If (captain) Steve Smith thinks seven is my spot I'll do that for the team."

Marsh said he still considered himself a batting all-rounder.

"I still feel I'm a batsman who bowls a little bit," he said.

"I haven't taken the opportunities when I had them but I still feel I'm good enough to bat in the top six for Australia."

There were encouraging signs in his unbeaten 50 in WA's Sheffield Shield romp over Tasmania at Hobart last week.

Lehmann has all but vowed to always pick an all-rounder after Australia were thrashed at Trent Bridge without one, costing them the 2015 Ashes series.

Marsh felt he was up to the task.

"The biggest thing for me is not to put too much pressure on myself," said the 24-year-old, equal youngest in the team.

"I just want to contribute to the team.

"If I'm scoring runs or taking wickets and we're winning then it doesn't really matter for me.

"I'm really enjoying learning about my game. The big thing is to keep improving and contributing to winning teams."


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Source: AAP



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