The immediate focus for Marsh is playing an important role with both bat and ball for the limited-overs side in Wednesday's one-day international against South Africa at Manuka Oval.

Marsh has long been groomed for higher honours.

After making his one-day international debut all the way back in October, 2011, one day before his 20th birthday, Marsh had to wait until October to get his chance in the Test side.

He didn't disappoint.

The 23-year-old made an impressive debut in an otherwise disappointing 2-0 series loss to Pakistan in the Middle East, averaging 41 with the bat including scoring 87 in the second Test.

While he didn't pick up a wicket with the ball in 40 overs, Marsh will get more assistance on the bouncy Australian pitches than what he received on the spin-friendly surfaces in Abu Dhabi.

Marsh cherished the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his dad Geoff and older brother Shaun, so much so he didn't let his baggy green leave his side.

"I kicked my girlfriend out of bed and slept with (my baggy green) the first night," Marsh said.

"To get that baggy green and put it on for the first time is a moment you never forget.

"It was obviously disappointing to lose that two-Test series, but hopefully I can play in a winning Test this summer."

But before then, there is the matter of three more one-day internationals against South Africa, which are vital preparation ahead of next year's World Cup.

Marsh is expecting another flat deck in Canberra after playing at Manuka Oval for the PM's XI and also for WA in last season's Sheffield Shield final against NSW.

"It's always a beautiful batting wicket and I'm sure it will be nothing different," Marsh said.

"We've got two of the best sides in the world so it's going to be a great match."

Marsh also believes his Western Australia teammate, and Canberra product, Jason Behrendorff, isn't far away from breaking in to the Australian side given his outstanding performances at state level.

Left-arm paceman Behrendorff reminded national selectors of his immense potential with a haul of 7-70 against Queensland in a Sheffield Shield game last week.

The 24-year-old has taken 76 first-class wickets at 24 and picked up a five-wicket haul in this season's final of the national one-day competition.

"I'm sure if he keeps improving the way he is that he'll be wearing the green and gold one day," Marsh said.

"I've been with Jase at the Warriors since he came over from Canberra, and it's purely just his work ethic and willingness to get better.

"He's put on probably 15 kilometres since he came to Western Australia and he's one of our first picked in the Shield side and the T20 side.

"He's earned a lot of respect from the playing group and everyone around Australia."

WEDNESDAY: One-day international: Australia v South Africa at Manuka Oval, 2.20pm. Tickets at Ticketek.