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Michael Clarke: Shaun Marsh should open batting in Test series against New Zealand

Australia play New Zealand in the first ever Day-Night Test series in November 2015.

Michael Clarke led Australia to a win in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 © Getty Images
Michael Clarke led Australia to a win in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 © Getty Images

Melbourne: Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes that Shaun Marsh should open the batting in the upcoming three-Test match home series against New Zealand. Australia are currently going through a re-building phase following the retirement of opener Chris Rogers, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, all-rounder Shane Watson and fast bowler Ryan Harris from Test cricket in the wake of the Ashes defeat against England. Clarke, who also stepped down after the England series, opined that Marsh should be given chance to fill the opening spot left vacant by Rogers, news.com.au reported. READ: Michael Clarke ‘quite sure’ Australia players want to tour Bangladesh

Clarke said that the selectors should show their faith in Marsh as the left-hander has the ability to bat anywhere in the order. After the postponement of Bangladesh tour, Australia have turned their focus towards the trans-Tasman series, where they will take on New Zealand in the first Test on November 5 in Brisbane. READ: Ian Bell, Michael Clarke, and others with most Ashes wins, defeats, and more

Australia recently pulled out of the tour of Bangladesh citing security reasons. Clarke believes that the Australian players would have wanted to tour Bangladesh. “I’m pretty sure they [Australian players would want to tour Bangladesh],” Wide World of Sports broadcast as transcribed by cricket.com.au. “A lot of the time as a player you leave decisions like this up to the experts,” Clarke added. “This is one of the occasions you want, DFAT, CA, the Australian Cricketers’ Association [player union] to make the decision for you. “If they’re saying lets hold the guys’ travel off for a few extra days, that shouldn’t affect the tour at all.” READ: Michael Clarke: 10 astounding records in Test cricket

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