The former Australian captain has thrown his support behind his ex-teammate as selectors begin formulating a preferred XI for the first Test against New Zealand in four weeks time. Clarke has long been a supporter of Marsh's, especially in the shorter format, but it is his red-ball returns that might not give selectors enough confidence to reward him with the opener's spot vacated by retiree Chris Rogers.

Marsh scored three centuries – one in the West Indies and two in England – but all were in tour matches and he was unable to replicate such auspicious form for Australia. In his three Tests abroad this year, Marsh made 114 runs in six innings at 22.8.

Clarke was quick to throw Marsh's name in the ring ahead of other candidates, such as his fellow New South Welshman Nic Maddinson or West Australian young gun Cameron Bancroft, who like Marsh, both scored hundreds on the opening day of the Matador Cup.

"I would like to see Shaun Marsh certainly get an opportunity [to open]," Clarke said. "I still think he's got a lot of runs left in him. The advantage with Shaun is he can bat anywhere in the order, so if he doesn't open the batting, I'm hopeful they [selectors] will find a place for him. I've always been a big fan of Shaun, so I'd like them keep the faith there."

After a tumultuous Ashes series Clarke urged selectors to "pick and stick" with whoever they were planning on blooding at Test level. "I think they'll keep the faith," he said. "They probably need to because we've lost five guys who have walked away from our last series, so I think they need to select who they think are the right people to take Australian cricket forward and keep the faith."

Asked if it was a strange feeling to not be in the frame for Test selection this summer, having scored his maiden Test century 11 years ago to the day, the 34-year-old was quick to point out he had not given cricket much thought given has plenty on his plate this summer after announcing on Wednesday he will join the Perpetual Loyal team for this year's Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

With he and wife Kyly expecting a child later this year, Clarke brushed aside questions about whether he had plans to play Twenty20 cricket this summer - including potential appearances in Shane Warne's T20 exhibition matches in the US next month - or begin a stint in the Channel Nine commentary box.

Helping the Loyal Foundation raise funds for vital medical equipment – which his niece, nephew and goddaughter have all benefited from – is a high priority for Clarke as be prepares for another nervous trek to sea like his Sydney to Gold Coast expedition last year.

"On one hand I'm extremely excited about this announcement and on the other hand I'm petrified," Clarke said of his move from the cricket pitch to the high seas. "It was an extremely tough 24 hours for me personally [competing in the Sydney to Gold Coast]. I'd definitely take Morne Morkel or Dale Steyn bowling downhill, down breeze in Cape Town any day of the week. In saying that, a couple of days of sea sickness and no sleep I think is worth it to save a child's life."