Marsh likely to return for India series after injury layoff

There is some good news for the injury-hit Australian cricket team as opener Shaun Marsh is likely to be fit for the upcoming Test series against India and might even play the two warm-up matches before that.

Marsh, recuperating from a back injury, is likely to play against the Indians in one of their two warm-up matches in Canberra to get some match fitness before the opening Test in Melbourne from December 26.

Australia -- hit by injuries to pace bowlers Pat Cummins, Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson -- have two warm-up matches before the main series.

The first is a two-day match beginning on December 15, before a three-day game starting December 19.

Australia's physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said the opener's fitness would be put to test during the practice games.

"Marsh had a run and is due to bat later this week as part of his programme to try to get up for Boxing Day and probably play one of the Chairman's XI games," Kountouris was quoted as saying by Australian newspapers.