Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh believes that Shaun Marsh, in place of Matthew Renshaw would be a better option to open the batting alongside David Warner in the upcoming four-match Test series against India as he would add experience to their batting line up.
Waugh believes that Marsh's record on the subcontinent and his experience should win out when compared with Renshaw, who made his Test debut against South Africa in Adelaide last November, staked his claim for an opener's spot with a determined maiden century against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
"For me, while Matt Renshaw has done exceptionally well in Australia I'd be very tempted to play Shaun Marsh in the first Test," cricket.com.au quoted Waugh as saying.
"He has a proven track record and he was the incumbent opener before he was injured. I think he's ready to go at this level, he knows the conditions well, he's played in the Indian Premier League (IPL)."
"It gives Australia a bit more experience. I would open the batting with him and Dave Warner," he added.
Marsh was recalled to Australia's Test squad for the India tour having recovered from a fractured finger during the first Test against South Africa at the WACA.
The 33-year-old has a strong record in the subcontinent, which is reflected from an impressive average of 78.6 in Tests, having scored two centuries in Sri Lanka, including in his debut Test in 2011.
"I'm happy he is back in the squad," the former Australian skipper said. "I think he can add something in those conditions, he's got a very good record on the subcontinent particularly against Sri Lanka on the two tours he's been there."
The first Test in Pune (February 23-27) would be followed by games at Bengaluru (March 4-8), Ranchi (March 16-20) and Dharamsala (March 25-29).
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