Australia coach Darren Lehmann hopes all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will recover in time to take part in the third Test against South Africa at Newlands next week.

According to a report, Marsh sustained a groin strain during the second Test, which was why he was fielding in an unfamiliar role of first slip at the start of South Africa’s innings.

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Lehmann said the decision to add another all-rounder to the 15-man squad will only be taken closer to the Newlands Test, but he was confident Marsh would recover in time.

‘We are reasonably confident, but we’ll see over the next couple of days,’ Lehmann said, quoted by cricket.com.au.

‘Medical staff will have a look at him and assess him, and then make a call from there.

‘We’re hopeful for the next Test,’ said Lehmann.

The Australia squad are expected to arrive in Cape Town on Tuesday, where they will enjoy a few free days before returning to training at the end of the week.

After winning the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban, Australia were beaten by South Africa in Port Elizabeth and now the four-match series is level at 1-1.

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