Australia’s versatile all-rounder, Mitchell Marsh, has unveiled a significant insight into David Warner‘s role ahead of the imminent ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Currently shouldering the captaincy of Australia due to Pat Cummins’ absence, Marsh continues to steer the squad in the ongoing five-game ODI series against South Africa. His leadership was notably successful in the recent T20I series, where Australia triumphed with a convincing 3-0 scoreline against the Proteas.
Marsh shares thoughts on Warner’s role
Ahead of the first ODI against South Africa, Marsh faced inquiries about his inclination toward opening the innings during the forthcoming marquee event in India. In addition to this, he was probed regarding the position of Warner and the role he would play in the team.
Marsh, in conversation with the Australian Associated Press, firmly rejected any speculations and made it clear that his role will be in the middle-order batting lineup. Instead, he explicitly stated that Travis Head and Warner have been designated to open the innings for the Australian squad.
“I expect to bat middle order. “Things may change, but Davey is literally one of the GOATs of one-day cricket and white-ball cricket in general. We have Travis Head and Australia’s best-ever all-three-format player there, so I dare say I probably won’t be opening the batting,” Marsh said.
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Marsh’s impressive track record as an opener
Despite his limited experience as an opener in ODIs, Marsh excelled in that role, notably emerging as the top run-scorer in a series against the hosts India, where Australia secured a 2-1 victory.
During this series, the 31-year-old accumulated an impressive tally of 194 runs, boasting an outstanding average of 97 and a remarkable strike rate of 131.08. He was thrust into the opening slot due to Warner’s injury. Even when the right-hander returned to the side in the third ODI, he was positioned at number four as Marsh had performed exceptionally well at the top of the order during that series.
Marsh’s cricketing skills has witnessed a remarkable ascent in recent years, firmly establishing him as one of the world’s premier batters. The Attadale-born cricketer pivotal role in Australia’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2021 underscores his significance, and he is anticipated to play a similarly vital role in the upcoming ODI quadrennial event.
Australia’s campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023 is slated to commence in Chennai on October 8, with their opening fixture against India.
