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Mitchell Marsh went from national vice-captain to out of contract in the space of a summer but he's determined to reclaim his Australia spot.

Mitchell Marsh has turned his frustration from losing his national contract into motivation to improve his fitness as he skipped the off-season and kept on running.

Marsh fell from Australia's Test vice-captaincy to out of the 20-man contract list in the space of just six months last summer, having not played international cricket since the Boxing Day Test.

The 27-year-old hit Western Australia's parks and beaches as a result, running regularly in a bid to return to his best.

"There was probably no secret I was under a bit of pressure with my fitness last summer. I didn't want that to be a worry for me any more," Marsh said.

"When you have setbacks like that I was very disappointed at the time. I have no blame for anyone else ... I was really hurt.

" I just put all my time and energy into my fitness, which at that time of year was all I could really control without playing cricket.

"I used that as a drive to put myself in a really good shape for this (Australia A) tour (of England)."

Marsh conceded it was his own lack of scores that led to his demotion after a barren tour of the UAE, on return from shoulder injury, and a lacklustre Boxing Day Test.

He also sought the advice of WA's psychologist to put his focus back on short-term goals, after originally being "hell-bent" on just regaining his Test spot.

"Professional sport has a lot of ups and downs, I've had plenty over the past few years in Test cricket and playing for Australia," Marsh said.

"I keep getting back up. I have shown myself I have been pretty resilient at times.

"I've just got to keep fighting back and I'm just so excited about the opportunity to do so."

Marsh has played 31 Tests for Australia and was often regarded as the team's next long-term allrounder.

He remains hopeful of pushing for an Ashes spot this winter if he performs during the Australia A tour of England.

"I feel very blessed to have won an Ashes series," Marsh said.

"The carrot is dangling to win one over here and be the first team in 20-odd years, to have a chance at winning an Ashes over here.

"But time will tell."