Mitch Marsh, the versatile Australian cricketer, will be heading home to Perth amidst the ongoing ODI World Cup in India. The decision to travel back comes as a consequence of a Family Emergency that Marsh has decided to keep private. Currently, there is no timeline released by Cricket Australia.
Aussie All-Rounder Marcus Stoinis shared that he received a message from Marsh, which read, “I’ll be home for a little bit and then I’m coming back to win this World Cup.” Australian fans will eagerly anticipate Marsh rejoining his teammates as soon as he can.
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Marsh and the value he adds to Australia
Marsh’s growth as a Batsman in the last few years and his ability to fill in at any given role makes him one of the most important players in the Australian setup. His abilities with the ball make him an even more important. His absence even for a single match presents the Australians with a challenging puzzle to solve. While his career has had its ups and downs due to injuries, he remains a significant presence in Australian cricket and one of the most respected cricketers to come out of Perth.
His transformation as a player has been incredibly admirable. The way that he has been riddled with injuries throughout his career but still fought to come out the other end stronger is immensely impressive.
Australia without their All-Round Aces
Maxwell’s absence from the fixture in addition to losing Marsh means that the balance of the side will have to be revisited. The Former’s absence implies the lack of a second spin option. Against a side packed with Left-Handed Batters like Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Dawid Malan and David Willey; having an X Factor Off Spinner like Glenn Maxwell is always good. Additionally, on surfaces like the Narendra Modi Stadium, where the surface offers some assistance to Spinners later on in the game, he would’ve been more than handy.
Marsh’s absence deprives Australia of a medium pacer who could provide relief to their trio of world-class fast bowlers. However, when he’s in top form, Marsh has the potential to outshine any bowler and emerge as the standout pacer for his team. His medium-paced deliveries could’ve also posed a significant threat, especially on a pitch like Motera.
The most significant setback for Australia will be the disruption in their batting order, particularly at a time when it was beginning to find its rhythm. Marsh’s return to his preferred spot at number three, after a successful stint at the top, would’ve allowed Australia to harness his batting skills effectively. Although Maxwell took some time to regain his form following an injury, remarkable innings like his century against the Netherlands served as a powerful reminder of his strength in this format. The batting order had found stability, and now they’ll need to adjust to the situation and make the most of their bench strength.
Possible XI for Australia against England
Possible XI: Warner, Head, Smith, Labuschagne, Stoinis, Green, Inglis (Wk), Cummins (c), Starc, Zampa, Hazlewood.
The presence of gifted players such as Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green ensures that the team has an abundance of talent. The batting lineup looks more than capable of scoring runs. However, the Australian captain might consider turning to batting all-rounders Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne to contribute with a few overs when the situation demands. Australia retains the option to arrange for a replacement for Marsh to be brought in, if necessary, but they will be optimistic that such a step won’t be required.
The circumstances pose a serious threat to Australia’s world cup dreams but they will hope that the players can be head-strong in the face of adversity.
