Australia’s all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is facing a forgettable series so far. Marsh struggled to run and didn’t contribute much with the ball either. His limited returns have now put him in a dilemma for the fifth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Former Australian cricketers Mark Waugh and Justin Langer discussed Marsh’s recent form and had different opinions on his involvement in the Sydney Test. Waugh called for Marsh to be dropped in favor of another fast bowler, Beau Webster.
Webster was in Australia’s initial squad for the Boxing Day Test but was released to play in the Big Bash League. On the other hand, Langer wants Marsh to play in Sydney because he is against a lot of changes in the Test squad.
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Mark Waugh mentions Beau Webster’s determinants
During a discussion on Fox Cricket, Mark Waugh spoke about Mitchell Marsh’s form and raised questions about his place in the Australian Test team. He reminded the selectors of Beau Webster, who is capable of playing as a fast bowler.
He added: “There will be a (discussion) depending on the team’s circumstances and balance. “Beau Webster is on the team, (Marsh scored) and he didn’t run in this game,” Waugh said.
The former Australian cricketer also suggested to the batting line-up that the wicket-keeper can move up the order and Beau Webster can advance the ball more than Mitchell Marsh.
“Theoretically, you could hit Alex Curry at 6, Beau Webster at 7, and that might be an option as well. (Beau Webster) is a multi-hitter, but he’ll throw more overs, plus he can throw out of the rotation.” Walders.
“That will be a discussion point depending on what happens in the next couple of days here, for example, Mitchell Starc’s fitness,” he added.
Justin Langer backs Mitchell Marsh in the Sydney Test
Meanwhile, former Australia coach Justin Langer still prefers to play with Mitchell Marsh despite his poor form. Langer wants Marsh to play freely and is not in favor of making too many changes in the Test squad.
“Yes, I’ll pick him for Sydney. He said when he won the AB (Allan Border) Medal last year, his words were, ‘I’m a bit fat and I like beer. That’s how I want to see him play cricket with a smile on his face,'” Langer told Channel Seven.
“I don’t like chopping and changing Test teams. In this case, it will be another change to the Test team. I don’t think it will be positive. I think he should play in Sydney.”
“If I was Pat Cummins, his teammate and captain, if I was the head coach or the selectors, I would say Mitch it’s a big game for us. Get in there with your mates. Play with that carefree attitude and show us what you’ve got.”
Mitchell Marsh’s BGT numbers 2024-25
Mitchell Marsh has scored 73 runs in seven Test innings so far at an average of just 10.42. He was unable to stay at the crease for long and did not find it easy facing Jasprit Bumrah and the other Indian bowlers.
Marsh scored 4 and 0 in both halves of the Test match. With the ball, the all-rounder picked up three wickets in the series at an average of 45.66. All these wickets came in the first Test in Perth. Since then, he has bowled just 13 overs without any wicket to his name.
