The all-rounder revealed he felt "pretty shit" last summer after reading feedback from irate punters unhappy with his performance, but still could not look away.

The boo boys will again be out in force if Marsh, who has taken over from Shane Watson as the whipping boy for cricket fans around the country, breaks back into the Australian XI for the third Test in Perth.

Marsh's fate, and that of Peter Handscomb's, hinges on the WACA pitch, but the signs are pointing in favour of the West Australian.

Selectors are desperate to keep intact their prized pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins for as long as possible.

The welfare of their quicks was a major consideration in Steve Smith's decision not to enforce the follow-on in Adelaide.

Marsh's selection would enable Australia to have a fourth seam bowling option on a wicket that has been a batsman's paradise at times this season.

But there will be sceptics who believe Marsh, with a Test average of 22 compared to Peter Handscomb's 47, does not have the runs on the board to bat in the top six.

While some of the criticism of the younger Marsh brother is fair, there is little doubt the 26-year-old has copped more vitriol than his teammates. Marsh said the abuse had upset him.

"I went through a stage where I read everything, Facebook comments and all that sort of stuff. I find them quite funny now and I actually think it's great that the Australian public can be so passionate about sport, especially cricket," Marsh said.

"People are always entitled to their opinions. Eight months ago I stopped reading everything pretty much. I think I'll probably stay that way.

"At the time it made me feel pretty shit to be honest, but people are entitled to their opinion and passionate about cricket, so it's all good."

Marsh almost could not resist the chance to fire back at critics of his brother, Shaun, another maligned by many, after his game-changing century.

"I felt like I was going to comment on Facebook comments last week when Shaun got his hundred, but I thought that might put the heat on me!" Marsh said.

"I just let it go. I just stopped caring really what people thought. The boys have all spoken about the inner sanctum of the Australian cricket team and really that's all that matters. So that's how I'm going about it."

Marsh worked extensively on his batting with batting coach Scott Meuleman, a close friend of his brother and former WA player, while he was recovering from shoulder surgery that prevented him from bowling.

After struggling to find the right tempo at the crease, he believes he has now found a "recipe for success" based on defence.

"If you want to be a top-six batsman you've got to make bigger runs," Marsh said.

"There will be times in games in my position batting down the order you need to go out and get quick runs and I feel like I have the game to do that.

"But at the same time I've got to make sure I'm batting long periods of time for this team to do that."