Shaun Marsh doubtful for 2nd ODI: This player to replace him

Australian batsman Shaun Marsh is uncertain of playing in the second ODI against South Africa due to his injury and the team management has roped in uncapped player Ben McDermott as a cover for him.

Marsh yet to recover from the operation

The left-hand batsman had missed the first ODI against South Africa as he underwent an operation to remove an abscess from his buttock.

However he is yet to recover fully and hence there are question marks over his availability for the second ODI.

Australia selector reveals details of Marsh’s injuries 

Speaking about the inclusion of Ben McDermott in the squad, Trevor Hohns, Australia selector said that the national selection panel has decided to add Ben McDermott to the ODI squad ahead of Friday’s match against South Africa at the Adelaide Oval.

He revealed that part of the decision to include Ben is to ensure that Australia have appropriate coverage should Shaun Marsh fail to recover in time for Friday’s second ODI.

Hohns noted that they will continue to monitor Shaun’s progress and give him every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the match.

Who is Ben McDermott?

The 23-year-old batsman is yet to make his ODI debut but is regarded highly for his solid batting.

Also read: Senior players not interested in playing for Windies: Hooper 

McDermott has featured in 4 T20 internationals but hasn’t made any significant contribution  yet.

He caught the selectors’ eye by becoming the second highest run scorer in the country’s 50-over tournament which finished last month. He scored 427 runs at an impressive average of 71.16 and slammed 2 hundreds and 2 fifties.

Australia were demolished by South Africa in the first ODI and now both teams will once again lock horns against each other on Friday at Adelaide. Australia were routed for a mere 152 runs in the first ODI and succumbed to a six-wicket loss.