Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell abandon Australia ahead of their T20 World Cup opener

Australia's captain for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Mitchell Marsh believes his team won't be affected by the late arrivals when the Group stages begin.

The Australian team, which became first-time champions in the 2021 T20 WC edition, has played 2 warm-up games against Namibia and West Indies. Both of the games had a contrasting result for the Aussies as they clinched an easy victory in the first game but then suffered a heavy defeat to the co-hosts.

Mitchell Marsh's form as the captain of the team wasn't any special in either of the games as he continues to recover from his hamstring injury. Marsh had sustained a blow in the area during a practice session with Delhi Capitals at the 2024 IPL season back in April and to manage the injury, the All-rounder had left the tournament in the early stages itself.

With the Aussies winning and losing their 2 warm-up games, nothing can be said about their form as of yet. And the reason is very clear. The Kangaroos are known for standing up when it matters the most. Australia always remains a step ahead of others when the stakes get high and something similar can be expected this time around as well.

Mitchell Marsh says the Australian team values family time

One of the key reasons behind the Australian team's success at ICC events is the support each players get from their families. Mitchell Marsh admitted that his side considers family time a very valuable part of life and that the players deserved it after a hectic IPL 2024 season.

Marsh believes that letting players spend valuable time with their families after the two warm-up games was very important. It will keep their heads in the right place and help them focus on the task at hand.

"We really value a bit of family time. The guys have obviously been at the IPL, which I think is great preparation for a World Cup. And then, yeah, just the value of seeing their families and getting them in their own bed for one or two nights is really important." - Mitchell Marsh told ESPNcricinfo.

Marsh says Starc and Maxwell are yet to join the team back from Australia

Mitchell Marsh then disclosed that Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell, who were in India until late May for the IPL 2024 play-offs, are yet to join the team. The duo had gone to Australia for a short breather after their warm-up games and Marsh believes that their late arrival won't impact the preparation of the team.

"We have still got [Mitchell] Starc and Maxi [Glenn Maxwell] to arrive this morning or lunchtime. But after that we are all here. I think for the guys to get a couple of days at home is really important for us as a group and for them personally."

"Obviously, it takes a few days to get here from Australia so that adds a few challenges but they'll be ready to go come the 5th." - Mitchell Marsh concluded.