Sunday, 9 December 2018:

SHAUN MARSH of Australia bats during the Ashes Series at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia.

To most, Shaun Marsh is the most maligned Australian cricketer.

But to his teammate Nathan Lyon, Marsh is a a superstar about to become a national hero.

For all the vicious criticism Marsh cops from Australian fans, he now carries their hopes of conjuring a miracle first Test win against India in Adelaide.

Marsh will resume on Monday's last day of play unbeaten on 30 with Australia needing another 219 runs for victory with six wickets remaining.

And Lyon says Australia's bid for a record-breaking run chase to win an Adelaide Test could barely be in better hands.

"I think Shaun Marsh is a superstar," Lyon said.

"I have bowled to him a lot in Shield cricket and he's whacked me all over the ground, so I think he's one of the best batters going around.

"He's definitely one of our best batters in Australia."

Marsh strode to the crease in Australia's second innings on Sunday with his tenure again being debated after six consecutive single-figure Test scores.

But Lyon said Marsh could become a hero - provided he doesn't think too much about his final-day task.

"That is probably one of the big things as cricketers, we can over-think things and that can be our downfall," Lyon said.

"But Shaun is a pretty laid back fella, especially away from cricket. At the hotel, he'll be relaxed.

"I was just speaking to him before. He has has got the belief that he can come out and make (himself) a hero.

"Shaun is quite confident. He may not look it, but I can guarantee he's very confident and he has that belief that he's going to be that hero that stands up tomorrow and wins this game of cricket for Australia."

AAP