Australia to miss Head, Marsh will lead precedings in ODI World Cup 2023
From being featured in the reserve team to becoming first choice opener for Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023, Mitch Marsh came from middle of nowhere to leading the Australian batting attack in no time. It seems like his Ashes century against England was an auspicious occasion that has brought him where he is now in Australian cricket circuit.
Head’s injury just before the ODI World Cup was a big blow for Australia. However, If there was a like to like replacement for Head, it was Mitch Marsh. So, this is like a fitted role transition for him as Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will bat at number 3 and 4, respectively.
The big all-rounder seems to enjoy his batting position alongside David Warner who has been playing his A game. It looks clean and clear from Australia’s perspective that Warner and Marsh have the job to give Australia the much needed powerful and striking starts.
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, hinted at this partnership, stating, “It looks like a pretty dangerous combination” after Marsh’s impressive performance in the recent series against India where he scored 96 off 84 in stifling conditions at Rajkot.
Marsh’s recent success, including leading an injury-depleted team to victories in South Africa, has boosted his confidence. Coach Andrew McDonald praised Marsh’s adaptability and contribution in the absence of key players.
The Australians had a wealth of prior experience to reflect upon before suffering defeats in the first two matches, as well as in the three-match series, against India. Key players such as Cummins, the formidable left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc, former captain Smith, and the versatile allrounder Glenn Maxwell were making their comebacks from injuries.
McDonald trusts Marsh’s game changing ability
Coach Andrew McDonald commended Marsh for his outstanding performance in filling in for Cummins and managing the team amidst the absence of several regular starters. “We encountered numerous changes in every game due to injuries, but we aimed to prepare as diligently as possible for the World Cup,” McDonald stated.
Marsh’s path to success will once again be founded on his straightforward approach to batting in all formats of cricket, which can be summarized as: “See the ball, hit the ball” – and do so with considerable power.
In the previous instance of Australia’s participation in white-ball cricket in India, Marsh’s unconventional shift from the middle order to fill the void left by the retired opener Aaron Finch proved highly effective. During that period, he boasted an impressive average of 97, a strike rate well over 125, and smashed a total of twelve sixes across three innings.
Marsh’s outstanding performance earned him the title of player of the series when Australia made a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory. He contributed significantly with scores of 81 from 65 balls, an unbeaten 66 from 36 deliveries, and a solid 47 at a run-a-ball pace.
Notably, Warner was absent from the first two games of that earlier series, and upon his return in the deciding third game, he batted lower in the order than Marsh to maintain the team’s winning momentum.
Labuschagne’s reminder to selectors on eve of ODI World Cup
Marsh’s career, which commenced with promise in 2011 as the son of Geoff Marsh – a former player who won the 1987 World Cup in India and later coached the 1999 World Cup-winning team in England – faced hurdles due to injuries and inconsistency. Nevertheless, he has now earned another opportunity to shine.
Marnus Labuschagne’s inclusion in the squad will strengthen Australia’s middle order, given the challenging sub-continental conditions. Mitch Marsh’s journey, marked by ups and downs, is now on an upward trajectory, and he is poised to play a crucial role for Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023.
