Marsh’s bid for Test recall off to rough start
CRICKET: Western Australia coach Adam Voges has pledged to help lighten Mitch Marsh’s workload as the allrounder attempts to build a case for a Test recall.
Marsh’s first Sheffield Shield innings since he was dropped for the series against India ended in disappointment at the weekend, the WA skipper caught behind for a tentative 21 in the match against Victoria at the MCG.
“I think I can certainly try to lessen his load a little bit and I think his teammates can as well,” Voges said. “He takes on a huge amount of responsibility when he comes back to us, so any way we can help him we’ll certainly try to.”
With Peter Handscomb preferred in Australia’s middle order for the first Test against India, Marsh’s bid for a recall got off to a bad start on Saturday.
Marsh (pictured) received a life on six when Cameron White was unable to take a sharp chance at second slip off James Pattinson and never really appeared settled.
“He’s got a lot on his plate, I understand that, but he’s working hard behind the scenes,” Voges said.
“He carries a big load; he’s our captain, he bowls, he bats in our top four.
“That wasn’t as fluent as I’ve seen him but I still think he’s going OK.”
In reply to Victoria’s first innings of 9(dec)-424, the Warriors’ top order crumbled in the face of some fiery pace bowling by Chris Tremain, James Pattinson and Scott Boland who was the pick with 3-39 from 14 overs.
Centuries to debutant Nic Maddinson (162) and White (119) were the highlights of the home side’s first innings.
– Jason Phelan