Shaun Marsh eying India ODI series to secure place in Oz team for 2011 World Cup

SYDNEY - Opener Shaun Marsh, who has been in and out of the team due to two serious hamstring injuries, will be pressing his claims for a World Cup berth when he joins with Australia for the three-match one-day series against India.

Marsh is ready to reclaim his place at the top of the Australian order after a rigorous off-season fitness regime in which he has worked on building strength in his legs.

The 27-year-old hopes a run of good form will secure his 2011 World Cup spot.

“Every game I get to play for Australia leading up to the World Cup is going to be crucial for me. If I can just keep doing the right things, not putting much pressure on myself (it will happen),” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Marsh, as saying.

“It would be a dream to play in a World Cup but it’s still a long way away,” he said.

With the World Cup to be held on the sub-continent, Marsh said the upcoming tour against India held extra importance.

“I’m sure they (the selectors) are looking at players that play well over there. You can see that by David Warner, he’s performed very well over there in the IPL and he gets an opportunity again,” Marsh said.

“It’s just a matter of who puts the runs on the board. If I can go there and perform well, it will be a bonus for me. My body’s in really good shape at the moment so I’m confident that all the injuries are behind me now and I can concentrate on playing cricket,” he said.

Marsh’s immediate aim would be to cement his spot in the one-day squad, but he still has his sights set on breaking into the Test eam. (ANI)