Fans slam Warnie over third Test selection fail

Shane Warne has made a bold call about Australia's XI for the third Ashes Test, but fans saw one huge problem with his logic.

Batsman Peter Handscomb is battling to retain his place in the side, with all-rounder Mitch Marsh a chance to be recalled for the clash at the WACA.

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Handscomb has returned scores of just 14, 36 and 12 so far in the series, with Marsh brought into the squad to allay fears of overworking Australia's fast bowlers.

The Aussies have gone with four bowlers in the first two Tests, but Handscomb could make way for Marsh to provide Steve Smith with a fifth bowling option.

And according to Warnie, Handscomb needs to go back to Sheffield Shield 'urgently' and find some form, meaning Marsh should get the nod.

"I know Australia would like to keep a winning team together, but unfortunately Handscomb needs to go back to shield cricket urgently & sort his technique out !!! So Marsh must play on his home patch in Perth...." Warnie tweeted on Monday.

However, his many Twitter followers were quick to point out that it's not even possible for Handscomb to go back to Shield cricket any time soon.

The next round of Sheffield Shield cricket isn't played until the start of February, with the Big Bash taking precedence over the next two months.

In fact the Ashes will be over by the time Shield action resumes.

A number of fans also took umbrage with the idea of Marsh, who has struggled with the bat during his stints in the Test side, getting another chance over the likes of Glenn Maxwell.

Marsh's selection hopes could rest on the state of the WACA Ground pitch, with a lightning-quick deck with plenty of grass looming.

If the pitch looks set to give up plenty of runs - which has been the case for most of the matches in Perth this season - Australian selectors are likely to opt for the extra pace option in Marsh.

Marsh is still building up to full fitness following a shoulder reconstruction earlier this year, but he has now bowled in back-to-back Shield matches, and could contribute something in the vicinity of 10 handy overs per innings.

When asked about Marsh's chances of earning a call-up, Australia coach Darren Lehmann replied: "The wicket will determine that.

"They said it's going to have some pace and bounce in it, a bit like the old WACA.

"Again, we'll just have to wait and see. It's pretty hot this week so we'll have a better idea probably on Tuesday/Wednesday of what we're going to go with.

"We'll have a look and make sure everyone's pulled up alright and how the bowlers are and then make a call from there.

"We just want to have the ability to get 20 wickets. So if the three (pacemen) and Nathan (Lyon) can do that, so be it."

with AAP