IND VS AUS: Mitchell Marsh to Play as Specialist Batter in the ODI Series

Ahead of the three-match ODI series, starting March 17, Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh revealed that he will not be bowling in the series, adding that he is still a month or three weeks away from bowling in games. Marsh will play solely as a pure batter in the series; something he has done before in his career. 

Marcus Stoinis, Cameron Green, and Mitchell Marsh are seemingly fighting over two spots in the starting XI, while Ashton Agar’s selection will depend largely on conditions. Green has locked himself for the Mumbai ODI after he smashed his maiden Test ton in the last Test. He can bowl as well, proving the desired balance for the team. This leaves Marsh and Stoinis fighting for one spot, considering that ODI regulars Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Alex Carey will reclaim their positions in the playing XI.

IND VS AUS: Marsh Unfit to Bowl

Returning to action after a long injury layoff of three months, Marsh feels that he is not ready to roll his arm over which means Australia will have to play him as a specialist batter. Marsh’s admission regarding not bowling in the series comes ahead of the series which will give Australia clarity when it comes to selection. 

“(I) won’t be bowling this series. (I’m) probably still a month, three weeks away from bowling in games. I’m building towards the IPL. It’s certainly not something I’m rushing back. We’ve got a lot of options in our team at the moment and a lot of cricket to play this year. The reason I had the surgery was to prolong my career as an allrounder and won’t be rushing back. It was nice to be able to play some games for WA, get some miles in the legs. Feeling great and hopefully I contribute to a few wins,” Mitchell Marsh told reporters on the eve of the game.

In other news from the Australian camp, Warner is doubtful for the series opener as the team is still assessing the condition of his injured. But notionally he will open with Head. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Jhye Richardson will miss the white-ball series due to their respective reasons. This will give an opportunity for players like Nathan Ellis and Sean Abbott to make their ODI return. Steve Smith will captain Australia in the upcoming series in the absence of usual skipper Pat Cummins.