Alex Carey has launched an impassioned defence of under-pressure all-rounder Mitch Marsh, declaring it will be “Mitch’s time” at the SCG.

Australia enters Friday’s series-deciding fifth Test against India with several questions about the team, including the fitness of quick Mitchell Starc, who was sent for scans on his sore ribs on Wednesday.

Starc and the rest of Australia’s pace attack did not bowl in an optional session at the SCG, given the short turnaround after the thrilling final-hour win at the MCG on Monday.

But the Australian camp is confident he will overcome his rib issue to play in Sydney, with a win or draw enough to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Starc’s availability could also have a flow-on effect for Marsh’s selection, given Australia may need extra back up with the ball.

The West Australian has only been called upon for 13 overs in the past three Tests, with his pace appearing well down while going wicketless.

The 33-year-old Marsh suffered back complaints following the first Test in Perth, but Australian management has since insisted there are no fitness concerns for him.

He has also struggled for runs with the bat, with scores of 9, 5, 4, 2 and 0 from his past five innings.

That has left the door ajar for a push for Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster to debut in his spot.

Webster has averaged 57.1 in first-class cricket since March 2022, while also picking up 81 wickets at 31.7.

Another option would be to add more bowling stocks in the form of uncapped all-rounder Sean Abbott, moving wicketkeeper Carey up to bat at number six in place of Marsh.

But Carey said there was no need to make any such changes, expecting Marsh to play in Sydney.

“This is still a really strong line-up. I don’t see it (changing) in the near future,” Carey said.

“We’ve got great balance. I think the boys have shown throughout the series some really class innings.

“From Marnus (Labuschagne), to not start the series the way he would have liked, to I thought that 70 in the second innings was worth 150 just the way it was going.

“Smudge (Steve Smith), Heady (Travis Head), and big Bison (Marsh) is just around the corner as well.”

Pressed further on whether he thought Marsh could follow in the footsteps of Labuschagne and Smith in recovering from his slow start to the series, Carey was emphatic.

“Whenever we have put someone in the spotlight, the true Aussie way is to show them how good we are,” Carey said.

“So I think it is Mitch’s time.”

Beyond winning back the Border-Gavaksar Trophy for the first time in a decade, a victory at the SCG would also ensure qualification for the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June.

The SCG fixture therefore has the potential to be legacy-defining for a number of Australia’s team, with teenage sensation Sam Konstas the only player aged below 30.

“It would be a reward for 24 months of really solid cricket, a group that is extremely experienced, skilful and has Australian legends amongst it,” Carey said.

“At the start of the series we wanted to win the series and we’ve got an opportunity to do that but we can’t look too far ahead.

“If we are able to secure the trophy it would be fantastic.”

AAP