Mitch Marsh is “good to go” against India this Friday, with the all-rounder declaring he’s healthy enough to play in the build-up to the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test – though he may deployed as a dedicated batter.
“The body’s all good, yep,” Marsh said when asked about his knock earlier this week.
When pushed, the 33-year-old repeated he’s “good to go” for Adelaide, despite the fact the Aussie coach Andrew McDonald had spoken several times about how he may have to manage the all-rounder. Not so in Marsh’s eyes – there was a little question to be asked after Perth, but things progressed well and now he’s ready. “I’ll be there,” he confirmed.
If he does play, The Sporting Base understands he’ll be put into play as a dedicated batter; potentially higher up the order too, should McDonald feel Australian needs to be more prepared for India’s withering bowling attack with some earlier batting resistance.
Marsh was the only batter outside Travis Head to score any real runs in Perth (47 from 67).
He’s also one of the only Aussie stars with any real form under his belt – he’s sitting at 44.61 from 11 Tests.
The biggest problem Marsh faced in Perth came down to how quickly the attack was asked to pull up again after the batting order simply collapsed in the series’ opening battle. Without the bowling duties, he should be able to manage his ankle soreness better.
One option to pick up the load is Nathan Lyon; the Aussie bowling veteran said he’d be happy to pick up “Bison’s” overs should he need. “To be honest, I’m happy to bowl his overs… I’m very clear on my role within the team, so nothing really changes with me,” he said, before adding: “If I get the opportunity to bowl more overs, I’ll jump at it.”
Another all-rounder, Beau Webster, is in the squad as cover too should he be needed.
That said, with Marsh “good to go,” Australia will only make one change to the starting squad.
It’s a forced one too: Scott Boland should come in for the injured Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood has been battling a “low-grade” side injury and won’t be risked in Adelaide.
The second game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on Friday afternoon.
