Re: The Third Test in the Ashes Series - WACA (14 December)
Reply #32 –
If Marsh is going to bat in the top 6 his strength needs to lean towards his batting. He's always going to be the 5th bowler, and a very handy one he is, always good for a wicket or two, but importantly we need him to make run. His bowling is going to be more relief.
Outside of a pure genuine all rounder probably the ideal type you were talking about was Andrew Symonds. A genuine batsman that averaged over 40, who was a more than proficient bowler that could provide relief.
The problem is Marsh is nowhere near good enough to bat at 6 in a Sheffield Shield team.
Is Marsh a good enough bowler to be selected as a bowler in the Test team? No, definitely not.
You don't even have to think about whether his batting is good enough.
An all rounder must be good enough to earn a place in the team as a batsman or as a bowler. Marsh misses out on both counts and his inclusion in the Test squad is inexplicable.