Question marks evaporate on Marsh's bowling

Mitch Marsh

Mitchell Marsh impressed once again for Australia on Saturday ahead of the third Ashes Test, while his elder brother Shaun appears ready to step up following the tourists' match at Derbyshire.

All-rounder Mitchell came into the side for the second Test at Lord's and took useful wickets as Australia pummelled England to level the five-match series.

And he once again showcased his ability with the ball, taking three wickets on the third and final day at the County Ground before the tour match with Derbyshire wound down to a draw.

His figures of 4-41 from 15 overs were the best in an Australia attack shorn of rested pace trio Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Fawad Ahmed snared three lower-order wickets, though Nathan Lyon's place as Australia's spinner looks under little threat - only Hazlewood has taken more than his nine wickets in the series' first two matches.

After Derbyshire were bowled out for 259, a total significantly boosted by Tony Palladino's 68-ball 82 from number nine, Australia had roughly a session and a half to get further batting practice under their belts, having made 413-9 declared at the first time of asking.

After a century in the first innings, Shaun Marsh again looked composed at the crease, making 30 from 33 balls before retiring to give Adam Voges (16 not out) time in the middle.

The elder Marsh brother's form will be a relief to Australia's selectors with Chris Rogers' availability for Edgbaston still unclear, while Michael Clarke bumped himself up to an opening slot and made a tidy 44 not out in a score of 95-1.

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