Mitchell Marsh, the versatile Australian all-rounder, is set to return to bowling in the upcoming Sheffield Shield round as he prepares to fill the void left by Cameron Green’s absence during the India Test series.
Green’s season-ending stress fracture has heightened the significance of Marsh’s fitness and bowling capabilities. Since suffering a hamstring injury during the IPL, Marsh has bowled only four overs, raising concerns about his ability to withstand the rigors of bowling.
However, Marsh has expressed confidence in his physical condition and is gradually increasing his bowling workload. He will bowl for Western Australia against Tasmania in the Shield fixture starting on Sunday at the WACA.
“I won’t bowl too much for WA, it’s all part of the building process to get ready for that first Test,” Marsh said. “It’s been a slow build. I’ve been really well looked after by Cricket Australia, Ronnie [Australia coach Andrew McDonald] and Patty [Pat Cummins], with our planning and when I bowl.”
With Australia’s frontline pace attack unchanged last summer and Tests played on bowler-friendly surfaces, Marsh was not heavily relied upon with the ball. However, the expectation is that the five-Test series against India will be more grueling, making Marsh’s ability to provide support crucial.
While some have suggested that Marsh could move to the top of the order as an opener, he has dismissed that notion, emphasizing his focus on contributing as an allrounder.
“I see the allrounder role as being really important, especially for when our bowlers need a bit of a break,” Marsh said. “I think if you look back at the last few seasons, our allrounders have bowled maybe 10 to 13 overs a game, which is not really a lot.”
“But those 10 to 13 overs can be really important. So for me, it’s about preparing to bowl as much as I can, as much as Patty needs me to.”
Marsh expressed his disappointment for Green, who is expected to be sidelined for six months.
“From all reports he’s pretty good, initially there is always a shock. It all happened pretty quickly,” he said. “Certainly with stress fractures they can be quite a gradual thing, but this one came pretty quickly.”
“Someone like Cam with his attitude towards the game, he loves it. The thought of missing that much cricket is probably a little daunting for him, but he’s accepted it now and as an athlete you go through these things.”
“It’s an opportunity for him to come back better and I have no doubt that he will.”
