Australia Receive Shaun Marsh Boost Ahead Of Second ODI

Ahead of the second One-Day International against India, Australia have received  a much-needed boost with their veteran batsman Shaun Marsh set to play the game. The southpaw was not available for selection in the first ODI due to late arrival. Marsh had stayed in Australia to attend the birth of his first child. He was also having some issues with his hamstring.

Marsh’s availability will be a huge boost for the visitors after their struggle in the first ODI. Only Usman Khwaja had managed to score fifty while the others failed to put up a substantial score as India restricted the visitors for a modest 236 for 7. India had gone on to win the game by six wickets.

Australia skipper Aaron Finch, meanwhile, has already confirmed that Marsh would slot back into the No.3 when fit and available.

With Marsh back, Marcus Stoinis, used as a makeshift opener, is likely to bat lower in the order while Ashton Turner is likely to make way. Marsh has been one of Australia’s most consistent performers in ODIs in the last 12 months. The 35-year old averages 47.83 and has three centuries in 13 innings batting at No.3 as the standout batter in Australia’s ODI top order over the past 12 months.

Australia, meanwhile, will be hoping that Finch fires too as his poor form just kept on getting extended. Ahead of the second ODI, leg-spinner Adam Zampa backed Finch, saying that the opener has been very motivating for the team.

“In terms of morale he’s been unbelievable,” Zampa said. “He hasn’t captained a lot for Australia but he’s been doing a really good job to keep himself really good for the team.

“Aaron’s been great and he’s a world-class player.“I think he’s got the third or fourth most hundreds in one-day cricket for Australia,” he added.

He also said that the team has the confidence in their skipper, stating:

“So Finchy’s experience is going to be pivotal for us moving forward. We know he’s going to turn it around.”