Mitch Marsh’s top-order heroics in India have created a giant dilemma forward of this yr’s World Cup – and it may spell dangerous news for David Warner.
Marsh has been within the hottest of kind in the course of the present ODI collection in India, cracking two half centuries in as many hits.
The 31-year-old scored 81 off 65 balls within the series-opening loss to India final Friday.
His complete stood out like a beacon of hope given Australia had been skittled for 188 in 35.4 overs.
Marsh was in an much more brutal temper on Sunday, smacking an unbeaten 66 off 36 balls as Australia romped to a 10-wicket victory with an astonishing 39 overs to spare.
What makes Marsh’s feats much more exceptional is the truth that he wasn’t even meant to be opening in India – and it’s the primary time he has batted in that place in his 71-match ODI profession.
Warner travelled to India for the ODI collection after recovering from the hairline fracture in his elbow he suffered in the course of the 2-1 Test collection loss.
The 36-year-old was rested from the ODI collection opener to provide him extra time to get well from his elbow damage, and he missed recreation two after struggling a corked quad at coaching.
It stays unclear whether or not Warner will likely be match to return for Wednesday’s collection decider in Chennai.
Even if he’s, the success of Marsh as opener has given Australia meals for thought main into this yr’s 50-over World Cup in India.
Marsh’s brute energy is a crucial weapon – and the prospect of him opening and setting a platform for Australia to submit scores nudging 400 could possibly be exhausting to withstand.
But it’s additionally exhausting to budge the incumbents – Travis Head and Warner.
Head has been in scorching kind on the high of the order since incomes an ODI recall in 2022.
In his 11 knocks over the previous yr, Head has produced two tons and 4 half-centuries.
On Sunday evening, he thumped an unbeaten 51 off 30 balls as each he and Marsh chased down the victory goal of 118 with ease.
Warner’s Test future is up within the air following a lean run of kind.
But his ODI performances are nonetheless sturdy, together with his final 10 knocks that includes scores of 106, 99, 94, 86 and 57.
However, if his ODI kind wavers within the lead-up to the World Cup, selectors could also be tempted to drag the set off and propel Marsh to completely open with Head.
If Head falters, then he may discover himself within the firing line.
Marsh, who usually bats someplace from three to 6 within the order, has taken a liking to the opening position whereas in India.
“To be honest, it’s pretty exciting having 10 overs with only two (fielders) out,” Marsh mentioned in reference to the Power Play.
India captain Rohit Sharma charges Marsh as among the finest energy hitters in world cricket.
“Definitely in the top three, top four when it comes to power,” Sharma mentioned.
“You saw, he could just stand and deliver and play the shots. He backs himself to do that.”
Starc was the hero in recreation two, snaring 5-53 as India had been bowled out for 117 in 26 overs.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
