Mitchell Marsh Focuses on Batting as T20I Series Against England Looms

Australian captain Mitchell Marsh plans to focus on batting during the three-match T20I series against England due to ample bowling options in the team. Having not bowled since a hamstring injury in the IPL, Marsh remains committed to his role as a batter amidst a squad rich with all-round talent.

Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh has declared he does not expect to bowl during the upcoming three-match T20I series against England, beginning Wednesday. Marsh cites the team's multitude of bowling options, including all-rounders and part-time bowlers, as the reason for his decision to focus solely on his batting duties.

Since suffering a hamstring tear while playing for Delhi Capitals in the IPL earlier this year, Marsh has refrained from bowling in international cricket. The well-rounded Australian squad includes all-rounders such as Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis for seam bowling, along with Travis Head and Cooper Connolly adding to the spin department.

Marsh explained, "I am sort of just building. I do not tend to bowl myself too much, to be honest. We are fortunate to have an array of bowling options within our team, so we will see how we go. My bowling's on line: whether or not I bowl, we will wait and see. We have heaps of options. I am always building something." The captain did not bowl during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where Australia exited in the Super 8 stage.

Australia recently returned to T20I action with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Scotland, their first appearance in the format since the World Cup. The team showcased their batting prowess, chasing down scores rapidly and setting formidable targets with ease.

Reflecting on Australia's early exit from the T20 World Cup after losses to Afghanistan and India, Marsh commented, "That T20 World Cup feels like a lifetime ago now. It was disappointing; we went there to win, like every team, but didn't perform our best when it mattered. There's a lot of cricket to be played before the next World Cup in 2026, but I hope to be there," he added.

Australia's T20I series against England kicks off in Southampton on Wednesday, followed by a five-match ODI series.

(With inputs from agencies.)