Australia would be looking forward to clinching their first Ashes series in England since 2001 when they will face England in the Fourth Test match at Old Trafford. Australia was handed a 3-wicket loss at the hands of England in the third test, after a cracker of a contest at Headingley, keeping the series alive.
However, there was still hope in despair for the Aussies as they were saved by a quickfire hundred by Mitchell Marsh, who was slotted in place of Cameron Green for the third test. Former Australian player and coach Justin Langer praised Mitchell Marsh for his knock and opined that Australia should stick with him as the resident allrounder going into the fourth test.
Mitchell Marsh is experienced, obviously in great form, swings the ball, and is a much-loved member of the team – Justin Langer
Justin Langer, in his column to the Telegraph, justified why the team should persist with Mitchell Marsh and that Cameron Green has to wait for his opportunity. Langer also outlined how Australia was spoilt for choices as not many teams had the luxury of replacing one all-rounder with another.
“I think Mitch Marsh will retain his position at number six. He is experienced, obviously in great form, swings the ball and is a much-loved member of the team. Cameron Green will be the unlucky casualty. Seldom, do teams have the luxury of replacing one all-rounder with another. Australia do. Green has time on his side.” said Justin Langer.
Justin Langer suggested one more change in the playing eleven, with Josh Hazlewood replacing Scott Boland, who failed to make an impact at Headingley.
“The only change from the Australia side that lost at Headingley should be Hazlewood in for Scott Boland. Australia has been happy to rotate these two bowlers, and I believe this will happen again in Manchester,” said Langer.
Australian cricket has a proud history of picking spinners – Justin Langer
The former Aussie gaffer pointed out Australia’s rich history of having spinners in their winning combinations and playing Todd Murphy in the absence of Nathan Lyon was deemed essential. He rubbished all talks of going into the test match with an all-pace attack, especially in Old Trafford which has provided some assistance to spinners in the past.
“There has been talk of not picking a spinner and playing four quicks. This won’t happen, especially at Old Trafford. Nathan Lyon was a massive blow, but Todd Murphy must play.” he added.
Also Read: MLC 2023: Tim David &Kieron Pollard Help MI NY Crush LAKR In An One-Sided Encounter