Shaun Marsh tightened his grip on an opener's berth in Hobart, hitting 78 in Australia's five-run win over South Africa as the hosts levelled the one-day series. It was his fifth half-century from only 10 matches and justified the selectors' faith in him following indifferent recent form for Western Australia in domestic cricket.

But Marsh said he was not doing his job properly, as his dismissal had for the second time in as many matches hampered Australia's bid for quick runs towards the end of their innings.

"I've probably got out at crucial periods in both games and it's been very disappointing that I haven't gone on," he said.

"I've left the team in a bit of a tricky position so hopefully in the next few games I can really bat through the innings and do my job properly."

In both games, Marsh was caught trying to hit towards the on-side, denying him a crack at a maiden international century.