"Show us what you’ve got" - Ex-Australia cricketers fight over Mitchell Marsh's place for Sydney Test

Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh is having a forgettable series so far. Marsh has struggled for runs and has hardly contributed with the ball as well. His limited returns have now put his place in a dilemma for the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Former Australia cricketers Mark Waugh and Justin Langer discussed about Marsh's recent form and had different opinions on his participation in Sydney Test. Waugh called for Marsh to be dropped in favor of another fast-bowling allrounder Beau Webster.

Webster was in Australia's initial squad for the Boxing Day Test but was released to play in the Big Bash League. On the other hand, Langer wants Marsh to play in Sydney since he is against too many changes in the Test team.

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Mark Waugh reminds selectors of Beau Webster

During a discussion on Fox Cricket, Mark Waugh spoke about Mitchell Marsh's form and raised questions on his place in the Australian Test team. he reminded the selectors of Beau Webster, who is capable of playing as a fast bowling allrounder.

“There will be (a debate), depending on the conditions and the balance of the team. Beau Webster’s in the squad, (Marsh has scored) no runs in this game,” Waugh said.

The former Australia cricketer also suggested the batting line-up that the wicketkeeper could move up the order and Beau Webster could chip in with more overs with the ball than Mitchell Marsh.

“In theory, you could bat Alex Carey at six, have Beau Webster at seven, that could be an option as well. (Beau Webster) is a batting all-rounder, but he will bowl more overs, plus he can bowl off-spin and seam.

“That will be a discussion point depending on what happens in the next two days here, the fitness of Mitchell Starc for example,” he added.

Justin Langer backs Mitchell Marsh for Sydney Test

Meanwhile, former Australia head coach Justin Langer is still in favor of playing Mitchell Marsh despite his poor form. Langer wants Marsh to play freely and is not in favor of too many changes in the Test team.

“Yes, I would pick him in Sydney. He said when he won last year’s AB (Allan Border) Medal, his words were, I’m a bit fat and I like a beer. That’s how I want to see him play cricket with a smile on his face," Langer told Channel 7.

“I don’t like the chopping and changing of Test teams. In that instance, it will be another change to the Test team. I don’t think it will be a positive one. I think he should play in Sydney," he added.

“If I was Pat Cummins, his mate and his captain, if I was the head coach or the selectors I’d be saying ‘Mitch it’s a big game for us. Get in with your mates. Play with that carefree attitude and show us what you’ve got’,” he exclaimed.

Mitchell Marsh's numbers in BGT 2024-25

Mitchell Marsh has scored 73 runs in seven Test innings so far at an average of just 10.42. He has been unable to stay at the crease for a long time and hasn't found it easy facing Jasprit Bumrah and the other Indian bowlers.

Marsh scored 4 and 0 across both the innings of the Test match. With the ball, the allrounder has picked up three wickets in the series at an average of 45.66. All these wickets came in the first Test in Perth. Since then, he has bowled just 13 overs with no wicket to his name.