Marsh keen to make an impact across the board
MITCH Marsh is desperate to take his bowling to the next level and become the genuine all-rounder that Australia craves, one capable of busting a game open with bat and ball.
Marsh shapes as one of the most powerful figures in Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins’ bid to play all four Tests against India, starting with the series opener tomorrow.
If Marsh can deliver some decent spells it will help ensure the frontline quicks aren’t worked into the ground.
If Marsh is able to produce a big score it will also ensure the pacemen have a decent rest between India’s innings.
The maligned all-rounder struggled in Australia’s recent Test series against Pakistan, but yesterday pointed to the previous home summer, when he scored two Test tons against England, as a source of confidence.
Marsh also scored 151 in a Sheffield Shield match against Queensland last month.
A shoulder reconstruction in 2017 and ankle surgery earlier this year haven’t helped Marsh’s cause, but he’s declared himself fully fit and ready to let rip.
“I got some good overs under my belt the last couple of weeks for WA,” Marsh said.
“I really want to take my bowling to the next level ... to start chipping in with the ball and get a few more wickets.
“I love coming on in the graveyard shift, 70 to 80 overs when the ball’s doing nothing, and trying to sneak in a wicket.”
Marsh, 27, appointed joint vice-captain following David Warner’s suspension, continues to attract immense criticism and scrutiny.