CHELMSFORD: Shaun Marsh suffered a painful blow from one of his own on Friday when he was struck on the hand by Mitchell Johnson and left with a split fingernail as the Australians warmed up before the third day of their tour match against Essex.
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Marsh has been in line to challenge Chris Rogers as David Warner's opening partner for the opening match of the Test series against England this week, his ambitions boosted by a century during Australia's first game of the tour against Kent last week.
The 31-year-old is, like Johnson, not playing against Essex but both were on the county ground before play on Friday continuing their preparations for the series with centre-wicket practice.
In a demonstration of what England can expect in Cardiff from next Wednesday Johnson steamed in to bowl to his teammates, on one occasion leaving Steve Smith grounded as the world's top-ranked batsman lost his balance.
Marsh wasn't as fortunate, dropping his bat straight away as he was struck on the hand. He left the ground immediately for treatment by the medical staff, although fears of a more serious injury appeared to be allayed when a team spokesman said he had a split fingernail.