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Mitchell Marsh has opened up on a possible return to Test cricket after Australia captain Pat Cummins left the door open for the all-rounder to make a comeback. Marsh admitted that the possibility remains open despite stepping away from first-class cricket.
Cummins recently backed Marsh to keep his Test options open, praising his ability to change the momentum of a game against quality pace bowling. Marsh, meanwhile, has now addressed the possibility of returning to Australia's red-ball setup after finishing the ODI series against South Africa.
Pat Cummins opens doors for Mitchell Marsh's Test comeback
Mitchell Marsh's Test career appeared to be heading towards a conclusion after he was dropped during Australia's 2024-25 home series against India. He was replaced by Beau Webster for the fifth Test in Sydney after a lean run with the bat.
However, Pat Cummins believes Mitchell Marsh still has the qualities required to make an impact in Test cricket. The Australia captain pointed to his aggressive approach and ability to put pressure back on bowlers, particularly in difficult conditions.
"He definitely hasn’t retired, so you never know. He’s hitting the ball beautifully in white-ball cricket, he’s destructive and a pretty scary proposition, so if it made sense, he’s not retired. I’d like him to keep some options open," Cummins told the Sydney Morning Herald.
Cummins also explained why Marsh could still be valuable in the longer format, particularly against express pace and on challenging pitches.
"He’s really good at going against the flow of express pace bowling, or a tough wicket where trying to guts it out might not necessarily work," Cummins said.
"He can really put the attack back onto the bowlers, and I think that changes the whole dynamic of a batting order. That’s why when he was at his best in Test cricket he did so well."
Mitchell Marsh flies out of South Africa amid Test comeback speculations
Marsh's recent white-ball form had brought his Test prospects back into discussion. He finished Australia's ODI campaign in South Africa with another half-century in the rain-affected win in Potchefstroom, giving him four fifties in his last six ODI appearances.
Despite the speculation, Marsh will not remain in South Africa for Australia's upcoming Test series. He confirmed that he was flying back to Perth after the ODI campaign.
Mitchell Marsh has not played first-class cricket for some time and no longer bowls, but his strong white-ball performances have kept the possibility of a Test return alive.
Marsh was reportedly under consideration for the South Africa Tests, although Cameron Green's return to fitness and Beau Webster's emergence have provided Australia with other options.
Australia also have a packed Test schedule ahead, with 20 matches scheduled across a 12-month period. That could give Marsh further opportunities to remain in contention for future series against New Zealand, India and England.
I don't think I'll ever be good enough to retire from Test cricket - Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh addressed the possibility of returning to Test cricket after Australia's ODI series against South Africa. While he does not know whether another opportunity will come, the all-rounder made it clear that he has not closed the door himself. He said:
"Pat said the door's open – and it's open. I don't think I'll ever be good enough to retire from Test cricket."
Marsh was also asked where his red-ball game currently stands, having not played first-class cricket regularly. He replied:
"It's a great question. I don't really know. I would imagine it would be similar to my white-ball game if I was to get another crack at it."
Meanwhile, Marsh and Cummins are expected to continue sharing ODI leadership responsibilities. Talking about this, Mitchell Marsh said their existing relationship has made the arrangement straightforward. He said:
"I see it as a bit of an open book, really," said Marsh. "Pat is the ODI skipper, and his schedule is hectic as we all know. So today was a case of me finishing the series. Pat hasn't played one-day cricket for a while, and he's got a big couple of weeks coming up."
"So we share the role, and as I've stated many times now, we've got a great relationship. We work so well together – and it didn't look like he hadn't played an ODI game for (almost) 700 days. It was certainly nice to have him back."
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