Ricky Ponting Backs Mitchell Marsh to be Australia's Vice-Captain

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has backed all-rounder Mitchell Marsh to be Australia’s vice-captain in red ball version. In fact, Mitchell Marsh is the captain of his state team, Western Australia. Marsh also led Western Australia with aplomb in the previous domestic season of Australia. Thus, Ponting believes that the all-rounder is well suited for the deputy role of the Australian team.

Meanwhile, Marsh in the favourite contender to take up Australia’s vice-captain’s role. Furthermore, Mitchell Marsh also led Australia A side on the recent tour of India. Thus, the all-rounder has the leadership qualities and he is in the reckoning for upcoming Pakistan tour. Currently, Australia is led by Tim Paine in Test matches and ODIs whereas Aaron Finch leads in the T20I.

In fact, Ponting not only wants to see Marsh as second in command for the Test format but also wants to see him take the captaincy reins in the ODI format.

“I think I might go quite young. I think Mitchell Marsh is the one I might lean towards,” Ponting said as per by stuff.co.nz. “I am not only thinking about Test cricket as well, but I am thinking a little bit towards the World Cup that is not that far away.

Marsh has been consistent for Western Australia. Therefore, it will make sense to hand over the responsibilities to the right-handed all-rounder.

“There is probably not a stand-out captain as far as our 50-over team is concerned right now either, but I just think the way Mitchell has developed over the last couple of years.

“We saw his Test summer in Australia last year was outstanding. He captained Western Australia last year and did a good job. I think it would probably be him or they might go for someone a bit more experienced just to help Painey out over the next few months but Mitchell Marsh would get my vote,” Ricky Ponting said.

Meanwhile, Australia will take on Pakistan in the UAE. The first Test match will begin from 7 October. Marsh had a fine Ashes series and has grown in confidence in the recent past.