Mitchell Marsh was seen fielding at gully during Australia’s practice sessions at Old Trafford today (July 17), potentially giving a selection hint for the fourth Ashes Test.

Marsh made a comeback into the Australia Test XI in the third Ashes Test at Headingley after four long years and had an immediate impact. His counter-attacking hundred on Day one after Australia were reduced to 85-4 having been put into bat took them to a total of 263.

It was Marsh’s third Test century, and his final score of 118 off 118 balls was his fastest three-figure score in Tests. He took on a fire-breathing Mark Wood, smashing 17 fours and four sixes through his innings. He got a decent start in the second innings as well, scoring 28 off 52 balls before he was dismissed by Chris Woakes.

Alongside the 146 runs he scored across the two innings, Marsh also picked up two wickets for 32 runs. He came into the XI in place of Cameron Green after the all-rounder was ruled out of the match due to a hamstring strain.

After his all-round performance at Headingley, Australia have been faced with the dilemma of whether to go back to Green if fully fit for the fourth Test, or to continue with Marsh given the form he is in. Their other option would be to somehow accommodate both in the XI.

While there hasn’t been any official word on the finalised team that will take the field for Australia at Old Trafford, if visuals from their training sessions are anything to go by, it seems Marsh has been given the nod over Green.

Marsh was seen standing at gully during Australia’s slip-catching session at the venue. Green is their designated catcher at gully whenever he plays, and is one of the best fielders at that spot in world cricket.

Mitch Marsh trains in the cordon while Cam Green warms up with Boland etc. A clue? You’d think so. pic.twitter.com/bM9BmsI7Ss

— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) July 17, 2023

David Warner at first slip and Mitch Marsh at gully two days before the fourth Test.

Appears reasonably indicative of the XI.https://t.co/YNGiHQxgCm pic.twitter.com/tVZyV5bfrg

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 17, 2023

Mitch Marsh, not Cameron Green, is in the gully for Australia’s slips practice #Ashes pic.twitter.com/77Oo2jdmsq

— Louis Cameron (@LouisDBCameron) July 17, 2023

It’s hard to imagine Marsh, or any other fielder for that matter, manning gully for Australia if Green plays. The implication of Marsh practicing in that position is that he will be Green’s replacement there in the field as well as with bat and ball.

England meanwhile have announced their XI for the Old Trafford Test and have made one change. What Australia do with theirs remains to be seen.

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