According to Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald, the squad may require Mitchell Marsh as the fifth bowler given their current lineup. Following Monday, December 30’s 184-run victory against India in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024–25, Australia made the announcement. With one game left in the five-match series, the hosts are ahead 2-1.
Australia has struggled to identify a fifth bowling option that would assist them whenever Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, or Pat Cummins need a break since Cameron Green was injured. In addition to using Mitchell Marsh as his fifth bowler, captain Cummins has thrown the ball to Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne on occasion to persuade them to turn their arms over and make a breakthrough.
Mitchell Marsh has been a handy bowler in Test Cricket for Australia. He has picked up 51 wickets with an average of 40.41 and a strike rate of 68.29. He is often used to compensate the overs when the main bowlers are on rest during their spells. Mitchell Marsh is a player who has all-round abilities and can come in handy with the bat and bowl whenever needed.
Mitchell Marsh Could Be Considered As The Fifth Bowling Option.
During the post-match news conference, McDonald stressed the necessity for a fifth bowling option in the team when questioned about Cummins and Starc’s bowling workload, saying (via cricket.com.au)
“I think the amount of overs that have been bowled in the series is probably going to be to a benefit to us, to be honest. I got asked the question leading into this game, ‘Where are the quicks at?’ I think they’re in pretty good shape. The assumption is they recover from this one.”
“India are probably very similar, albeit a heavier workload here. But across the entirety of this series, it’s been relatively light, so I’d expect both attacks to be in decent shape to be able to press. Does that mean you need a fifth bowler? I think you still need a fifth bowler. But are you going to put a huge demand on the fifth bowler? Potentially not,” he added.
With one game remaining, Australia has an unassailable 2-1 lead after winning the fourth Test of the series by 184 runs. With 61.46 points per cent, they remain in second place in the World Test Championship standings as a result of that victory.
For the first time since 2012, Australia defeated India in a Boxing Day Test match. The fifth Test will begin at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2025, marking the final meeting between the two teams in this series.
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