He's a class player - Hussey approves of Marsh recall for Ashes

Shaun Marsh's inclusion sparked backlash on social media but former Australian batsman Mike Hussey is happy with the decision.

Selectors have provided Australian batsman Shaun Marsh with another opportunity to prove himself in the baggy green.

Former batsman Mike Hussey has backed the return of Shaun Marsh, believing Australia's selectors got it right for the Ashes series against England.

Plenty of eyebrows were raised on Friday when Australia announced their 13-man squad for the start of next week's Ashes in Brisbane, with veteran Marsh, Tim Paine and uncapped Cameron Bancroft surprisingly included.

Selectors have provided Marsh — who will take up the number six spot in the batting order — with another opportunity to prove himself in the baggy green, despite scoring just 236 runs at 39.33 so far in the Sheffield Shield this season.

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The 34-year-old's inclusion sparked backlash on social media but Australian great Hussey backed the recall. "I can see why there's all the talk about it, but at the end of the day he's a class player and a quality player," Hussey — who scored 19 hundreds and 29 half-centuries during his successful Test career — said.

"If you any ask any first-class player around the country if Shaun Marsh is playing at his best, he's in the best six batsmen in the country.

"And he is playing at his best at the moment. His body is good, so why wouldn't you go for the best?

"There's no point saying we don't want to pick him because we're worried he might get injured. Well, he might not.

"We're worried he's had seven chances in the past. That doesn't mean he's not going to take his chance this time.

"He's playing well, he is one of Australia's best six batsmen, so let's get him in there.

"I personally actually think it's a good selection and I also think he's at a stage in his career … I know it's such a huge series, but I think he knows his game so much better now. He'll be comfortable in his own skin, he'll have the experience to be able to handle the situation a lot better than perhaps he has done in the past.

"For all the Australian fans out there, we all hope he can take his chance on this occasion."

The opening Test gets underway at the Gabba on Thursday.