Australian allrounder Mitchell Marsh evealed the idea of promoting him up came to light six months back and as good players do, he “absolutely jumped” at it.
The 30-year-old, who had looked one of Australia’s few positives out of their defeats in the West Indies and Bangladesh, began slowly at the T20 World Cup, playing a painstaking knock of 11 off 17 versus South Africa.
But the strong-built right-hander picked up pace and gear thereafter and ended the tournament with an average of 61.66 and strike-rate of 146.82. Marsh reserved his best for the finale, scoring a magnificent 77 not out off 50 balls against New Zealand to Australia through to their maiden men’s T20 World Cup title on Sunday in Dubai.
“The coaching staff came up to me in the West Indies about six months ago and said I was going to bat three for this tournament and series – and I absolutely jumped at the idea of that,”
Marsh was quoted as saying by the ICC after receiving his ‘Player of the Match’ award.
“I’d done a little bit for the [Perth] Scorchers back home, but I’ve obviously got all the staff and everyone involved In the Australian setup [to thank] for backing me and getting me up the top there.”
Marsh’s presence within the top three helped Australia maintain an even spread of aggressors in their batting unit. He batted tremendously in partnership with David Warner (53), adding 92 runs for the second wicket with the experienced left-hander.
Marsh hitting 6 fours and 4 sixes in his brilliant knock helped Warner avert an extra high-risk stroke during their stand as he could then target the two Kiwi spinners in a chase of 173.
The Western Australian cricketer said he “love playing my role for the team”.
He has relished the camaraderie within the dressing room and is elated to be part of a champion side.
