Boxing Day Test: Shaun Marsh confident of regaining fitness

Australia's top-order batsman Shaun Marsh is confident of regaining his fitness for the Boxing Day Test  against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from Monday.

The West Australian has been struggling to recover from an on-going back injury which flared up during last month's series in South Africa.

"I was struggling a fair bit for the first month. Every time I tried to increase my training schedule or load I just couldn't do it. But I've worked hard with my people back home in Perth and we've changed a few things around in the last three weeks which have helped a lot," Marsh said.

Marsh said his back had improved significantly in recent weeks and was no longer troubling him.

"It's actually pulled up fine. Probably a week-and-a-half ago it was a little bit stiff and sore still. I've worked very hard and I've had extended net practice," Marsh was quoted as saying by The Age.

"Obviously it's been a big build-up for me the last few weeks to try and get myself in this position. The last few days have been really good," he said.

Marsh has been included in Australia's 13-man squad for the first Test despite being put of action for six weeks following the November tour of South Africa.