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Mitch Marsh didn't have a big influence on Western Australia's drawn Sheffield Shield game against Victoria but the allrounder remains hopeful of a Test recall.
Axed allrounder Mitch Marsh remains hopeful of a surprise call-up for the second Test in Perth despite modest returns with the bat and ball in Western Australia's Sheffield Shield draw with Victoria.
In his first match since being dropped for the series opener against India, Marsh made a tentative 21 in the first innings at the MCG and was dismissed for just 11 runs in the second.
The Australian vice-captain didn't fare much better with the ball, returning figures of 1-102 for the match, but he hasn't given up all hope of returning for the historic first Test to be played at Optus Stadium.
"I'm in the squad so I'd say that I'm a chance ... it all really depends how the bowlers pull up," Marsh said.
"The wicket had a fair bit in it last week when we (WA) played on it.
"Ultimately I think it will come down to the conditions and how the bowlers pull up.
"If the opportunity arises, it would be amazing, but if not I'm still going to be around the squad.
"I'll be running drinks as hard as I can for the boys and getting around them and enjoying the Perth Stadium atmosphere."
With the Shield season now on hold until February, Marsh must press his claims for a Test recall with the Perth Scorchers in the BBL.
He's confident good form in the white ball game will be just as valued by coach Justin Langer and national selectors.
Not that he feels like he's badly out of touch.
"I think there's a difference between being out of form and out of the runs and at the moment I'm just out of runs," he said.
"I'm remaining very confident.
"I was obviously very disappointed to miss out on the first Test but I understood the reasons why.
"Ultimately you've got two ways to go about it - you can either sulk and go back into your shell or you can put a smile on your face and enjoy the hard work, enjoy the challenge getting back into the Test side."
Marsh admitted to being shattered by his omission but has been heartened by the messages of support received since.
"I cop a fair bit but I do have a lot of people who care about me and always show support for me," he said.
