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Marsh boosts Scorchers top order

Marsh boosts Scorchers top order

Shaun Marsh is not feeling any pressure to pile on the runs in his Perth Scorchers return, saying a collective effort is required if the reigning Big Bash League titleholders are to start posting daunting totals.

Marsh was at his destructive best 12 months ago when he scored a blistering 63 not out from 43 deliveries in the Scorchers' grand final triumph over Hobart Hurricanes at the WACA Ground.

The 31-year-old will provide a major boost to the second-placed Scorchers as they look to secure a home semifinal with victory over Melbourne Stars at the MCG on Wednesday.

Marsh was released from national duties when he was left out of Australia's 15-man World Cup squad.

The left-hander said he had brushed off his non-selection, despite solid form during the 2-0 Test series win over India, and was delighted to suit up again for the Scorchers.

He believed his transition from the Test arena to the bash and crash of T20 games would be smooth.

But he didn't believe he needed to dominate with the bat.

"Not at all," Marsh said.

"I'm just going to get out there and have a bit of fun.

"The confidence within the group is outstanding. Hopefully I can do my job in the top order and get the boys off to a good start."

Perth have been led by a brilliant bowling attack, consistently defending low targets. The Scorchers have averaged less than 150 in their seven matches.

But Marsh said he had seen enough in the nets to convince him a big score was not far away.

"The guys have been batting pretty well," he said.

"It's just about the collective group batting well in a game now.

"I think we've had one or two players getting the runs, but it's about the top four or five getting out there and putting the runs on the board.

"I've got no doubt with the talent in the team that we can do that on Wednesday and then push on to a semifinal."

Marsh, who is likely to replace Marcus Harris against the Stars, said the left elbow he had surgery on last August had healed.

"I'm back to throwing nearly 100 per cent," he said.

"I had a cortisone injection in my shoulder just before the Test series started, but that's cleared up now. I've got no problems throwing come Wednesday."

Marsh said he now felt he belonged at international level and had been happy batting at No.5 in the Test side.

"It has been a pretty good summer so far," he said.

"I felt like I've been hitting the ball really well and found that consistency that's probably been lacking the last few seasons.

"I have just got to keep building now and have a really good second half to the season.

"To get a few scores and feel like I belong there has been great and something I've really enjoyed. I felt really comfortable out there. Hopefully I can build from that now."

I felt like I've been hitting the ball really well …"Shaun Marsh