Marsh's fitness a concern for Australia
Brydon Coverdale at Newlands
November 10, 2011
Australia began the second day in Cape Town with an injury concern as Shaun Marsh failed to take the field due to back stiffness. Marsh experienced some soreness on Wednesday as he compiled a calm and assured 44, and a Cricket Australia spokesman said the problem had worsened on Thursday.
While it was unclear whether Marsh would be in doubt for the second Test in Johannesburg, which starts next Thursday, the injury was a serious worry for Australia, with Marsh being one of their most in-form batsmen. Usman Khawaja is the back-up batsman in the squad.
Marsh was not expected to field at all on the second day, as he continued with his treatment and medication with the team physiotherapist, Alex Kountouris. The twelfth man, Trent Copeland, was fielding in Marsh's place.
Marsh has had ongoing back issues throughout his career. He was ruled out of the third ODI against Sri Lanka last November and the Australia A game against England that followed due to back trouble, and a similar problem also ruled him out of the tour of New Zealand early last year.
Since he won his baggy green in Pallekele in September, Marsh has been a standout performer in Australia's batting order, with a century on debut and 81 in his second Test. He also made a pair of half-centuries in the tour match in Potchefstroom last week.
