PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 06: Mitch Marsh of Australia walks back to his bowling mark during day four of the First Test match between Australia and South Africa at the WACA on November 6, 2016 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Josh Hazlewood has thrown his support behind under fine teammate, Mitch Marsh.

Several ex-players, including Chris Rogers and Andrew Symonds have called for Marsh to be dropped, following another lean Test match.

However, Hazlewood says Marsh is a vital part of the national Test side, particularly with the ball.

"He always poses a threat when he bowls. he picks up those couple of vital wickets when he does get a bowl," Hazlewood said.

"He's crucial for our bowling attack I think.

"He brings nice balance for us and I guess we can go in a bit shorter spells maybe, especially Starcy, and become a bit more threatening.

"He's brilliant for our attack."

The 25-year-old took two wickets and scored zero and 26 in his two innings in the first Test loss to South Africa.

Marsh has taken 27 Test wickets at an average of 34.55, while he has scored only 591 runs in 18 Tests, at an average 24.64, batting predominantly at No.6.