Shaun Marsh, Henriques to come of age: Lehmann

Perth, Feb 1:

Australia coach Darren Lehmann believes the two standout batsmen from T20 Big Bash League final – Shaun Marsh and Moises Henriques – are set to shine at international level.

Incumbent Test No.5 Shaun Marsh guided Perth Scorchers to their second-straight BBL title with a measured 73 from 59 balls at the top of the innings against their final opponents Sydney Sixers, for whom captain Moises Henriques top-scored with a superb 77 from 57 balls.

And while both players have represented Australia in all three formats, neither has truly stamped himself on the international arena.

Lehmann. however, believes that is about to change.

“It was great to see those two players really stand up (in the BBL final) because they’ve been fantastic players, and I think they’re both really coming of age at the next level,” he told Perth’s radio station 6PR.

“When they go back (from national to domestic cricket), they’re always performing for their states and that’s what we ask of them.”

Marsh returned to the Test side this summer following Michael Clarke’s injury-enforced withdrawal from the Test Series against India after the opening Test in Adelaide.

The 31-year-old made scores of 32, 17, 32, 99, 73 and 1, doing enough to almost retain the selectors’ faith ahead of Australia’s next Test series in the Caribbean without adding to his two centuries.

Henriques, who turned 28 Sunday, came back into Australia’s ODI side for their tri-series clash with England in Hobart, taking 34 for one and making just four in what was a one-off appearance in the green-and-gold due to the absence of a number of star players.

Lehmann has been impressed by the improvements of the pair.

“Shaun had a fantastic Test summer for us,” the national coach said.

“We put a lot of faith in him because we think he’s a gun player, and Moises really developed as a leader and a player with New South Wales as well.” IANS