Perth: Mitchell Marsh is firm on continuing with his belligerent style of batting as Australia host Pakistan for a three-match Test series.
Marsh has experienced a remarkable run of form in recent years. After staging a comeback in the T20I team, the Aussie all-rounder soon became an indispensable part of the ODI setup and is now setting his sights on earning a spot in the Test team.
Marsh enjoyed a memorable ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign that ended with Australia lifting the trophy for the record sixth time. He aggregated 441 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 107.56, which also included a blazing 177 not out against Bangladesh -- his highest ODI score.
Before the World Cup, Marsh showcased his attacking red-ball approach with a run-a-ball 118 in the Headingley Test during the Ashes.
Australia are now gearing up to host Pakistan in a three-match series as a part of the World Test Championship. While the squad is yet to be finalized, Mitchell Marsh emphasized that if selected, he'll maintain the aggressive cricket style that marked his successful comeback.
"The way I'm going to bat won't change," Marsh said. "I feel like I've found my most consistent method over the last couple of years and that's allowed me to really enjoy my cricket."
Marsh acknowledged competition for a spot in the XI, notably with Cameron Green vying for the all-rounder position. However, the selection challenge doesn't trouble Marsh, as the 32-year-old is focused on enjoying his cricket.
"I'm past battling, I'm here to enjoy my cricket and have fun," Marsh added. "I absolutely love playing for Australia.
"I worked really hard to get another opportunity during the Ashes and my attitude is 'what will be, will be', so I've done everything I can," he said.
Green had a lean Ashes series where he scored only 103 runs and picked up five wickets in three matches. He played as many games in the World Cup as well, returning 63 runs and no wickets.
The youngster seems committed to winning his place back in Australia's side and will feature in Western Australia's Sheffield Shield match against Queensland as well as Australia's Prime Minister's XI for a four-day game against Pakistan.
Even in the midst of intense competition for spots in the team, Marsh was effusive in his admiration for Green. He expressed the desire to play together again, as they did during the drawn Ashes Test in Manchester earlier this year.
"He's a special talent," Marsh noted. "We've got a great relationship. We're super close on and off the field.
"I always joke that there's probably not a lot I can teach him on the cricket field, but he knows I'm always there for him and hopefully we can play a lot of cricket together," he added.
Australia's three-match series against Pakistan begins in Perth on December 14, followed by Boxing Day action in Melbourne. The final Test is scheduled for the New Year at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3. (UNI)
