Ashes 2019 | Mitchell Marsh in contention for Old Trafford Test, says Trevor Hohns

Changes are expected to be aplenty for the Aussies at Old Trafford and by the looks of things, Western Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is currently in prime contention to make it to the playing XI. Marsh, who last played a Test against India at Melbourne last year, impressed in the warm-up match against Derbyshire with both bat and ball, scoring 74 runs while also picking three wickets.

Chief selector Trevor Hohns, who will be given the responsibility of picking the team for the penultimate test of the series, admitted that the 27-year-old has staked a great claim to be included in the playing XI for the fourth Test at Old Trafford. 

"Mitchell Marsh has certainly given us a good option today. All players are in contention, I must say. Everyone has certainly put forward a good case for inclusion for the next Test match," Hohns told cricket.com.au.

Should Marsh make a comeback to the team, it would most likely be at the expense of Matthew Wade, who apart from the second innings century at Edgbaston, has struggled big time, notching up four single-digit scores. Hohns admitted that things haven't gone Wade's way apart from the century, and said that the team management will be looking at the position, while also closely analyzing the rest of the line-up.

"He played very well that innings he made a hundred. Unfortunately, things have not quite gone his way since then. That will certainly be an area we are having a look at," Hohns said of Wade.

"Whether it's up the top or in the middle, we'll sit down and go through 'why' and 'what-if' – if we play this person, who's suited better to what particular area of our batting line-up." he added.

Meanwhile, the Aussie selector also heaped praise on super-sub Marnus Labuchagne, who has scored fifties in each of his three innings in this series so far. Hohns all but admitted that the Queenslander is certain to be a part of the playing XI, meaning one of Marcus Harris or Usman Khawaja will have to make way, with Steve Smith fit and running once again.

"He's been terrific with the opportunity he was given in Lord's, unfortunate opportunity of course. He's certainly made every post a winner, and made the most of every opportunity he has been given," Hohns said of Labuschagne.

"Adding that to the fact he can bowl some handy leg-spin as well, he's a prime contender (for Old Trafford). It's very hard for me to say just where, but he's an option everywhere as we have seen," Hohns added.

The fourth Test will commence on September 4 at Old Trafford, with the series currently level at 1-1.