All hail the bits and pieces cricketer, the poor unloved cousin of the all-rounder.

Australia will make a final call on their playing XI for the final Test against India, starting in Sydney on Thursday, just before the toss.

Australia coach Justin Langer believes allrounder Mitchell Marsh becomes an "attractive commodity" for the Boxing Day Test against India as he can lighten the workload on the fast bowlers.

Australia allrounder Mitch Marsh says he is prepared to take the "graveyard shift" with the ball and take his bowling to the next level this summer.

Adam Voges is not surprised Justin Langer chose Mitch Marsh as one of Australia's Test vice-captains, saying the allrounder is a popular member in any team he plays.

Australia great Adam Gilchrist feels allrounder Mitch Marsh should be chosen as vice-captain for the Aussies' Test side.

Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh looks to be on the sidelines for a while after it was confirmed that he will need surgery on his ankle.

Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh will be heading to South Africa for the Test series in good bowling form having come through a first-class game for Western Australia.

Glenn Maxwell says he understands why Mitchell Marsh was added to Australia's squad ahead of the third Ashes Test, even though the Western Australia allrounder has not set the scene alight in the longest format.

Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh is confident that he will be able to bowl at his peak when he recovers from the shoulder injury that has sidelined him since March.