Marsh backs Bancroft to come good

Australia

Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh has lent his support to embattled opener Cameron Bancroft who failed again on day four of the fourth Ashes Test.

Apart from his unbeaten 82 in the second innings of the first Test Bancroft has made little impact on the Ashes failing to pass fifty in his last five innings.

Speaking after play Marsh said of his WA teammate: "The good thing about Cameron is even though he's missed out on big scores, he's getting starts.

"Which means he has the ability to get through new-ball spells. He's been in great form, he's hitting the ball really well in the nets and a big score is not far away from him.

"He's one of the most mentally strong not just cricketers but people I've ever met.

"He's stayed the same. He's a different cat, he has his little things that he does. He's been great around the group and that won’t change for him."

Former Australia stalwart Michael Hussey would like to see the Baggy Green stick with Bancroft even if he fails in Sydney.

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Hussey told Cricket.com.au: "I thought he's looked really good most of the times he's been out there.

"Whether he needs a score (in Sydney) or not, for his own self-confidence I think he'd love a score and certainly to give confidence to the selectors to stick with him.

"I'd like them to stick with him because he has shown he's good enough to play at the level. But he would like a score, there's no question about that."

The Boxing day Test looks headed for a draw after rain wiped out half of the fourth day with Australia ending 61 runs behind England with 8 second innings wickets in hand.

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