Shaun Marsh happy to be playing a floating role at World Cup

Marsh, who scored an unbeaten half-century in Australia's comfortable win over West Indies in an unofficial fixture on Wednesday, 22 May, said that he was happy with the acclimatisation the knock afforded him. Marsh was one of Australia's biggest positives in their 5-0 defeat against England in June last year. The 35-year-old had scored 288 runs at an average of 57.60, which included two spectacular hundreds.

"It certainly does give you confidence if you've scored runs here in the past," Marsh told reporters. "It was nice to spend some time out in the middle and get my feet moving. I enjoy batting out here. Obviously, it's a different challenge. The wickets are slower [compared] to what they are back home, and it swings around a bit."

Marsh didn't sound worried about making the XI and also brushed aside concerns when asked if he thinks he will be competing with Usman Khawaja for a spot in the team. "I'm not really sure. I'd like to think I'm nice and flexible," he said. "I've batted from one to six throughout my career. I'm just going to try and enjoy the next two practice games and spend more time out in the middle. And see what happens."

Australia will play two warm-up games - against England on 25 May and against Sri Lanka on 27 May - before their opening fixture against Afghanistan on 1 June.

Khawaja, who retired hurt on 5 after being struck by a nasty Andre Russell bouncer in the second over of Australia's innings, was cleared of any serious injury, following scans of his jaw. Marsh said that it was scary watching Khawaja get hurt, but was relieved that he was okay.

"It was very scary," said Marsh. "It copped him on the side of the cheekbone, I think. The main thing is he is okay and can bounce back pretty quickly. Obviously [he was] a bit shaken, as you are when you get hit on the head, but Uzzy’s a tough cookie and he’ll be ready to go."