Mitchell Marsh Refuses To Open For Australia In Tests Post-David Warner Retirement
Published - 16 Dec 2023, 06:53 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:24 AM
Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of opening the innings in Test cricket after David Warner’s retirement from red-ball cricket. Marsh emphasized that he currently enjoys batting in the lower order at the No. 6 position.
Earlier this year, David Warner announced his intention to retire from Test cricket after the three-match series against Pakistan. There were speculations about Mitchell Marsh taking up the opener’s role to accommodate the all-rounder Cameron Green in the Test playing XI.
Doesn’t Make Sense To Me – Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh, who has worked hard to secure a spot in the side, emphasized his enjoyment of batting at number six in Test matches. Marsh stated that he is reluctant to change his role as he has found his way and identity as a Test cricketer in that position.
“How do I answer this without making a headline? For me I appreciate there’s talk about it and eventually we’re going to need a new opener with Davey leaving, but I’ve worked really hard to get back in this side and for me to look forward to having a role as an opener just doesn’t make sense to me.”
“I love being at number six and in my last four Test matches I’ve really found my way and I guess who I am as a Test cricketer and I’m loving it, so I’m reluctant to change that,” Marsh said, as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald.
Thankful To Pat Cummins And Andrew McDonald – Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh acknowledged that he had previously tried to emulate the playing style of batters like Steve Smith and David Warner. He expressed gratitude to Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald for helping him find his own method.
“I think I showed glimpses of the way I played in the last 12 months throughout my career, but probably never really believed in that method. I tried to play the long innings and play like Steve Smith and Davey and Uzzy and all those guys who can bat for six hours,” Marsh further stated.
“But I just wanted to come into this Test team and be really true to myself. I’m thankful to Patty [Cummins] and Ronnie [coach Andrew McDonald] for helping me get to this point where I’ve found my method that works. I don’t necessarily have the technique of Smudger and Marnus where they can defend and leave for hours and get through those periods.”
Also read: WATCH – Khurram Shahzad Demolishes Mitchell Marsh’s Stumps With A Beauty To Deny Him Century
