Marsh tipped to be fit for Test
AUSTRALIA is growing increasingly confident Mitchell Marsh will be fit to take his place in next week’s pivotal third Test.
The in-form all-rounder tweaked a groin in the loss in Port Elizabeth, but Australia believes nine days of recovery between matches should be enough for Marsh to prove his fitness.
It’s possible Australia could still add a cover player to the squad in the case of emergen- cy, but last night no provisions had yet been made.
Marsh has become a vital cog in Australia’s line-up after strong contributions in five back-to-back Test matches.
Brother Shaun said he was proud of his brother’s transformation since serious shoulder surgery last year and is backing the big right-hander to recover from this latest setback.
“I think the prognosis is pretty good. I think the break has come at a really good time. We’ve got 10 days in between games and it gives him a really good chance to get some recovery in and we’re pretty hopeful Mitch will be right for the Cape Town Test match,” Shaun Marsh said.
“He’s done fantastically well since he’s come back in. I reckon it’s the best I’ve seen him bat through his career.
“He’s bowling well as well. He’s getting better with each game he’s playing with his bowling and we saw that in this game. He took some crucial wickets for us. Hopefully he can get his body right and continue this good form.”
Mitchell Marsh had long been tipped to play a starring role for Australia, but it’s taken years to come to fruition.
Older sibling Shaun says the younger Marsh is on track to blossom into one of the game’s leading match-changing all-rounders.
“There’s definitely room for improvement for him and that’s exciting for him and Australian cricket,” said Shaun. “I think he’s improving every game he’s playing. He’s really starting to believe he belongs at this level.”