Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has share his thoughts about opening in test cricket once David Warner retires from the test format after the series against Pakistan. Currently West Australian seam bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh said that he enjoyed batting at No.6 and reticent to have it changed.
In the ongoing test against Pakistan after getting the great start from the openers and a scintillating century of 164 (211) from David Warner, Mitchell Marsh came into the bat when Australia were 304/4. The stage was set for Mitchell Marsh and the explosive all-rounder hammered an astonishing 90 (107) on day 2 of the 1st Test against Pakistan in Perth to give Australia a steering total of 487.
Mitchell Marsh batted brilliantly in the lower middle order during this year’s Ashes in England, when Australia were struggling at 85/4 and smashed a run-a-ball 118 at Headingley to got Australia a respectable total of 263. The Mighty West Australian all-rounder has opened the innings in ODIs for a few times this year and helping Australia off to a flying start. Since Warner made his test debut, he has played with an aggressive intent as an opener and therefore Mitchell Marsh has bring attention of many experts as a like-for-like replacement for opener’s position.
I am enjoying my batting position- Mitchell Marsh
As quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald, the 32-year-old stated:
“How do I answer this without making a headline? For me I appreciate there’s talk about it and eventually we’re going to need a new opener with Davey leaving, but I’ve worked really hard to get back in this side and for me to look forward to having a role as an opener just doesn’t make sense to me”,
“I love being at number six and in my last four Test matches I’ve really found my way and I guess who I am as a Test cricketer and I’m loving it, so I’m reluctant to change that”, he added.
I just wanted to come into this Test team and be really true to myself – Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh slotted into Australia’s middle order when Green picked up a minor hamstring strain on the eve of this winter’s Ashes contest at Headingley. Mitchell Marsh expressed acknowledgment to Andrew McDonald and Pat Cummins for managing his comeback to the Test team. He admitted that he only knew one style of play.
“But I just wanted to come into this Test team and be really true to myself. I’m thankful to Patty [Cummins] and Ronnie [coach Andrew McDonald] for helping me get to this point where I’ve found my method that works. I don’t necessarily have the technique of Smudger (Smith) and Marnus (Labuschange) where they can defend and leave for hours and get through those periods.” Marsh added.
After Australia’s formidable 487, Pakistan finished with 132-2 at Stumps, with Imam-ul-Haq and Khurram Shahzad at the crease.
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