Shaun Marsh has experienced both the worlds of agony and ecstasy in the last few days by being drafted into the Australian Test team days after his grandfather's death and the opener is determined to prove his worth in India if he gets a chance to play there.
Marsh, who was drafted to replace injured Phil Jaques, had an impressive performance for the Kings XI Punjab in the inaugural Indian Premier League and he thinks that experience will come handy to do well in India.
"I played over there in the IPL. I really enjoy playing cricket in India, it's a great place and it has a great cricket culture. I'll know the conditions well and I'll back myself to do well," he said.
The explosive opener, who has not played a Test and has eight one-day internationals under his belt, said the Indian Test tour would be the highlight of his career.
"It's a dream come true to be on a Test tour. It's something that I've worked pretty hard for over the last 12 months. I guess getting in the one-day team was a huge privilege but to be a part of the Test team now, whether I play or not that's a different story.
"Just being over there and being part of it is an amazing feeling," Marsh was quoted as saying by the local media. The 25-year old said he will dedicate any opportunities he may get on the tour of India to his grandfather Ted who passed away last Sunday.
"Obviously, it's been a tough week for the family but looking forward to getting over there and, hopefully, if I get a game, I'll be able to do it for Pop (Ted).
"I gave Dad (former Test opener Geoff Marsh) a call. He's pretty happy. He's had a tough few days so hopefully it lifts him up a little bit."
