Australia upbeat over Marsh injury

Australia skipper Steve Smith is confident that Mitchell Marsh can shake off the groin strain he suffered in the second Test in time to play the third at Newlands.

Marsh was posted in the slips during South Africa's successful chase of a target of 101 on day four of the second Test at St George's Park.

The allrounder put down Proteas opener Aiden Markram early on before being moved away from the corden after lunch.

After play skipper Smith revealed that Marsh had sustained a groin strain, he said: "He's got a bit of a groin strain so he was struggling to move a little bit."

Smith revealed that during the lunchbreak Marsh was cleared to 'run around' and as such was moved into the outfield.

Smith added: "I was told at the break that he can actually run, so unfortunately he could've been out on the field when he was in the slips, but still should've taken that catch.

"But everyone drops it every now and again, I've been pretty guilty myself in recent times."

Smith is confident that he will have all his bowlers fit and ready to go in time for the third Test at Newlands that gets underway on March 22.

He went on: "I think all the quicks are going really well. I haven't heard today, but before today they were all feeling fine, so hopefully with a good 10-day break they can freshen up a little bit.

"In regards to Mitch Marsh, it's a good break now between now and the next Test match and he's telling me he'll be fine but we'll wait and see how things go."  

The series is locked at 1-1 after the hosts 6 wicket victory at St George's Park.

Latest