Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is all in readiness to fire with the ball for his side in the upcoming Gabba Test. Marsh, 33, has instilled a great deal of trust in the coaching and medical staff who played a key role in his recovery prior to the start of the five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. The all-rounder has faced prior issues with his back since the limited-overs tour to the UK in September where he only bowled once after a hiatus of nearly five months. 

Marsh was expected to feature with the ball in the Sheffield Shield early this season but the plans never materialized as persistent problems with the back proved to be a major hindrance in his bowling. However, despite his difficulties with the back, Marsh managed to leave an impact with the ball in the Perth Test bowling a marathon 17 overs and finishing with two valuable wickets to his name. 

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Marsh extends his gratitude to McDonald and the rest of the medical staff

Marsh admits that he was slightly underutilized in the build-up to the series. But at the same time, he expresses his desire to play his part with the ball should the need arise. He further adds that he is ready to bowl as many overs as possible for his skipper and makes it clear that there is no upper limit to how many he can bowl.

"I'll try and be ready to bowl as much as Patty needs me. Our allrounders haven't bowled a hell of a lot in Australia the last few years, but I am really thankful for our medical staff and Ronny [coach Andrew McDonald] and Patty who have allowed me the space between that first and second Test to just get right for the game. I didn't bowl as much as I would have liked to in the lead-up to the series, but our medical staff, Ronnie and Patty were really clear. I trusted that."

Furthermore, he also feels grateful for the role the medical and the coaching staff (including Andrew McDonald) played in getting him into the right head space before the start of the second Test. He feels that his back is more than ready to deal with the workload and wants to hit the ground running once he gets an opportunity with the ball in the upcoming Brisbane Test. 

How is Australia's pace battery shaping up ahead of Gabba Test?

Australia have been jolted by some injury concerns in their bowling department in this ongoing Test series. Josh Hazlewood, who initially sustained a lower side strain injury in the aftermath of the first Test was sidelined from the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. With the Gabba nets offering limited space to run, Hazlewood headed to the nearby Allan Border Field where he alongside Starc were put through the paces with an extended run-up. His fitness is closely being evaluated and if he pulls up right on Friday, he will be in a strong position to rejoin the team, potentially at the expense of Scott Boland.

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was dismissed in the key moment of Australia’s first innings of the Adelaide Test. It was a really confused moment where everyone was stunned. 

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has bowled really well on the second day of the day-night pink ball Adelaide Test. At the beginning of the second session of the Adelaide Test, Mitchell Marsh surprisingly lost his wicket. 

Watch: Nitish Kumar Reddy's stunning perfect sixer in high-pressure moment

Clueless Mitchell Marsh didn't take the review

In the fifth over of the session, Marsh was caught behind during Ashwin’s over. Initially, the wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant appealed for it while Ashwin and other teammates were confused and only came with half-hearted appeal. While confused Marsh didn’t seem confident, non-striker end umpire Richard Illingworth gave him out. Marsh didn’t review that while the hosts had all three reviews remaining and the batter went back to the dressing room. 

Even after the umpire's decision, Ashwin was confused. Later, the replay cleared that there was a gap between the bat and the ball and Marsh hit his bat on his pad. So, Marsh completely failed to understand the situation as he probably misunderstood the bat-pad situation as the bat hitting the ball. 

...and the finger goes up! ☝ #MitchellMarsh walks as @ashwinravi99 strikes. It's game 🔛#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test, Day 2 👉 LIVE NOW! #AUSvIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/n6wpWmibU8

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 7, 2024

Marsh was lucky in the first session

Earlier, just before the dinner break, Marsh was lucky not to lose his wicket. During the second last over of the first session, Ashwin trapped Marsh. Marsh used his feat to come down to the ground and tried to defend Ashwin’s delivery. Ashwin and some Indian players appealed to that by thinking the ball hit the pad first. However, the bowling end umpire Richard Illingworth gave it as not out.

Ashwin was confident about the ball first hit the pad before the bat. While the Indian captain Rohit Sharma didn’t seem confident, especially when India already lost one review earlier in the innings, he ultimately decided to try luck by taking the review.

The third umpire had no conclusive evidence of whether the ball hit the bat first or pad first and ultimately decided to go with the umpire's call, which was not out. Later, the other wider angel of the replay clarified that the ball hit the pad first. Although the ball hit the stumps, Marsh would still be lucky as the impact was umpire's call. Although there was a slight confusion whether India lost the review or not, finally it was clarified that the visitors didn't lose the review. 

India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024 were a triumph of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Among the many highlights of the tournament, one moment stood out: Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch to dismiss David Miller in the final. Fielding, often an underrated aspect of cricket, played a crucial role in this victory, exemplifying the saying that “catches win matches.”

The crucial moment

With South Africa needing 16 runs from the final over, the pressure was palpable. The crowd at the stadium and millions of viewers around the world held their breath. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, turned to Hardik Pandya to bowl the decisive over, hoping his experience and nerve would see India through.

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Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch

Hardik Pandya bowled a wide-ish full toss that David Miller struck powerfully down the park. The ball seemed destined to clear the boundary, but Suryakumar Yadav had other plans. He leaped into action, catching the ball mid-air with remarkable precision. As his momentum carried him out of play, Surya had the presence of mind to release the ball back into the air, find his balance, and jump back inside the ropes to complete the catch. This jaw-dropping effort sent Miller back to the dugout and gave India a massive advantage in the dying moments of the game.

Impact on the game

The dismissal of David Miller was a turning point. South Africa, just moments away from a potential victory, found themselves reeling from the blow. Suryakumar’s catch shifted the momentum entirely, and India went on to win the match by 7 runs, securing their place as T20 World Cup champions.

ICC recognition

The ICC recognized Suryakumar Yadav’s catch as one of the best in the T20 World Cup 2024. This acknowledgment places his effort alongside other incredible catches, highlighting its significance in the context of the tournament.

Other memorable catches

Among the best catches of the tournament were Axar Patel’s one-handed stunner to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, Gulbadin Naib’s spectacular grab, Roston Chase’s diving effort, Steven Taylor’s wonderful catch against Pakistan, and Aiden Markram’s backward dive. Each of these catches had its moment of glory, but Suryakumar’s effort in the final stands out due to its timing and impact.

Player reactions

Suryakumar Yadav expressed his joy and gratitude in post-match interviews, acknowledging the team effort that led to their victory. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya also praised Surya’s catch, emphasizing its significance in their win. The team celebrated this moment, understanding its pivotal role in their triumph.

Suryakumar Yadav’s catch will be remembered as one of the defining moments in T20 World Cup history. Comparable to other famous catches in World Cup history, this moment will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for years to come.

Australia’s dynamic all-rounder and current T20 captain, Mitch Marsh, is back in action after a challenging hamstring injury. This recovery comes just in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, a critical event for the Australian cricket team. His return not only boosts Australia’s prospects but also adds a layer of excitement and anticipation for fans worldwide.

Mitch Marsh’s Injury

Marsh’s journey to recovery began with an untimely hamstring injury during the early stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Playing for the Delhi Capitals, Marsh’s injury was a significant setback, as he had to withdraw from the tournament just as it was gaining momentum. The injury was severe enough to sideline him completely from professional cricket for several months.

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Recovery Journey

Marsh and the medical team initially believed the injury would require a three-week recovery period. However, tendons can be unpredictable, and Marsh’s recovery took longer than anticipated. The extended time off allowed him to heal thoroughly, avoiding the risk of further complications.

“It’s been progressively slow, but I’m finally getting there now and looking forward to getting stuck into the tournament. Initially we thought it was a three-weeker, but with tendons, they can take a little bit longer and you’ve sort of got to go on feel. Once I was ruled out of the IPL, we’ve certainly taken our time to get right. And I feel lucky that I’ve had that bit of extra time, a little bit of time at home to refresh,” Marsh told Cricket Australia.

Training and Preparation

Marsh rejoined his teammates in Trinidad, where he participated in intensive training sessions. His performance during these sessions has been promising, indicating that he is ready to take on the competition. The focus has been on regaining full fitness and ensuring his hamstring is up to the rigors of international cricket.

“Probably still a little while off. I’ll start bowling hopefully soon. Get through these practice games as a batter and then we’ll ramp it up. But it’s one of the beauties of being captain now, I don’t have to bowl myself. We’re lucky that we’ve got so many options with ball and so much talent, Stoin (Marcus Stoinis) and Greenie (Cameron Green), and we’ve got a lot of options. So, all our planning, it allows me to be really clear on that. I’ll bowl when I need to bowl, but outside that, it’s always team first,” Marsh noted.

Australia’s All-Rounder Strength

Australia is fortunate to have a wealth of all-rounders. Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green are two such players who can fill in with both bat and ball. This depth allows Marsh to focus on his batting while gradually easing back into bowling.

“Guys have been at the IPL and they have been playing a lot of cricket, so we’ve prioritised giving them a couple of days at home to see their family, refresh and play the long game for this tournament. We’re going to be undermanned a little bit (against Namibia), but it is a practice game. And the guys that need to play will play as much as they can and we’ll figure it out from there, ”Marsh said.

Warm-Up Matches

Warm-up matches are crucial for any team’s preparation, offering a chance to experiment with different combinations and strategies. The game against Namibia will be a vital opportunity for Marsh and his team to assess their readiness and make necessary adjustments before the tournament.

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. Travelling Reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is less than a week away, and the squads of all the teams are already out. This is the time to talk about one of the most decorated teams in international cricket: Australia. They have already won two major ICC trophies in a row, winning the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup. They will be focusing on making it their third consecutive trophy in this upcoming T20 World Cup as well.

Though the last two tournaments have been great for Australia, the last T20 World Cup is one they will want to forget. Not only did they fail to win the trophy at home, but they also didn’t make the playoffs, getting eliminated on net run rate. They will be looking for their second T20 World Cup trophy in this edition.

Australia heads into the T20 World Cup with a well-rounded and formidable squad filled with depth and explosive talent. However, their spin attack and the form of some key players remain areas of concern. As they aim for their second T20 World Cup trophy, Australia will need to leverage their strengths and address their weaknesses effectively.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024: SWOT analysis of South Africa team

With their squad already announced, it is time to look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for this team going into the tournament.

SWOT analysis of the Australian team for the T20 World Cup 2024

Strengths

Australia’s T20 World Cup squad is one of the most balanced and formidable teams heading into the tournament. They have the right amount of firepower in all departments—batting, bowling, and all-rounders. This balance ensures that the team can adapt to different match situations and conditions. Additionally, the squad boasts great backup options, which can be crucial when the primary choices face form slumps or injuries.

One of the standout features of this Australian team is the presence of explosive finishers. Players like Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs. Their power-hitting skills make them key players, especially during run chases. This trio can significantly influence the outcome of matches by adding quick runs towards the end of the innings.

Weaknesses

A potential Achilles’ heel for Australia could be their spin attack. Adam Zampa is the only spinner with a proven track record of taking wickets in T20 internationals. The other spin options, Ashton Agar and Glenn Maxwell, have been less effective in recent times. Agar has not played a T20I since 2022, and Maxwell is primarily a part-time bowler. A robust spin department could be a major area for improvement, particularly on spin-friendly pitches.

Another concern for Australia is the form of some of its key players. Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, despite their immense talent, have been in poor form in T20s lately. Maxwell, known for his explosive batting, has struggled to find consistency, while Green has also faced challenges in maintaining his form. This lean patch could pose a problem, especially since both players are expected to play pivotal roles in the tournament.

Opportunities

Mitchell Marsh has an excellent opportunity to prove his leadership skills in this World Cup. Despite facing some injury setbacks, Marsh has consistently shown his prowess as a player. As the team captain, he now has the chance to demonstrate his strategic insight and inspire his teammates. Leading Australia to T20 World Cup glory would be a significant feather in his cap and cement his legacy as a top-notch cricketer.

Nathan Ellis has had an impressive T20 career so far, excelling as a bowler with his variations, particularly in the death overs. This T20 World Cup will be his first major international tournament, providing him with a platform to showcase his skills on the big stage. His performance could be pivotal for Australia, especially in high-pressure situations where his bowling at the back end of the innings can make a difference.

Threats

While having multiple all-rounders is generally seen as an advantage, it can also lead to selection dilemmas. Australia has a plethora of talented all-rounders, making it challenging to pick the perfect playing XI. Balancing the squad to ensure that the best combination of players is on the field will be a significant challenge for team management. The risk of leaving out a match-winner or failing to find the right balance could impact their performance.

Australia Squad : Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. Travelling Reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has backed the skipper Mitchell Marsh to be back to full fitness ahead of the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. However, Marsh was pulled out of the IPL early last month due to a hamstring injury, and his recovery has been slower than planned since returning from India. Marsh also joined a cohort of Australia’s squad members, who are not engaged in the IPL, for the initial three-day pre-tournament training camp in Brisbane as well.

Mitchell Marsh pulled out of the IPL 2024

Notably, another such camp is scheduled over the next two weeks before they leave for the Caribbean on May 25th. Initially, Marsh wasn’t slated to attend the first camp due to his hamstring injury but his recovery allowed him to participate and bat in the nets over the last couple of days as well.

“You probably won’t see him bowl in the next couple of weeks here,” McDonald told reporters at Allan Border Field on Tuesday. “It’ll probably happen the week before we leave. And then he’ll be able to ramp that up when we’re over there. We’ll be able to cherry-pick the moments during the tournament where he’ll be useful with the ball. We’ve got some all-round depth in the squad, which gives us good coverage anyway.”

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“[His recovery was] probably a little slower than expected on the back of the hamstring. But we’ve got plenty of time now that he has been ruled out the IPL. The first game is just short of a month away now. So ample time for him to get ready. But really positive to see the skipper on the park,” he again said.

“No real concern about match fitness,” McDonald on Marsh

McDonald also said that there was no concern about Marsh’s lack of match practice over the last two months, given that Australia will play some practice games before their first match against Oman as well.

“No real concern about match fitness,” McDonald again said. “We’ve got a couple of practice games when we get to Trinidad in the support period. So he’ll likely get plenty of match opportunities. And if not, we’ll be able to simulate those through practice, which our coaching staff are pretty good at.”

In an exciting turn of events, Gulbadin Naib, the Afghanistan all-rounder, has been enlisted by Delhi Capitals as a replacement for the injured Mitchell Marsh for the remaining matches of IPL 2024. Adding Gulbadin Naib to the Delhi Capitals roster brings a fresh dynamic to the team, enhancing their versatility and strength in the ongoing IPL season.

Background of Gulbadin Naib

Gulbadin Naib, renowned for his medium-pace bowling and all-around abilities, has an impressive cricket career. He has represented Afghanistan in 82 ODIs and 62 T20Is. His experience and leadership skills as a former national team captain make him a valuable asset for any squad.

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Being selected to play in the IPL marks a significant milestone in Naib’s career. His inclusion in the Delhi Capitals lineup reflects the recognition of his talent and potential on the international stage.

Performance in the T20I Series Against India

Naib’s stellar performance in the T20I series against India earlier this year showcased his batting prowess, with notable half-centuries in matches held in Indore and Bengaluru. His ability to deliver under pressure demonstrates his readiness to excel in elite cricketing tournaments.

Replacement for Mitchell Marsh

Naib is a replacement for Mitchell Marsh, who faced an unfortunate injury that ruled him out of the IPL tournament. Despite Marsh’s absence, Naib’s arrival injects new energy into the Delhi Capitals lineup, offering depth in both batting and bowling departments.

Delhi Capitals’ Performance in IPL 2024

Delhi Capitals have witnessed a turnaround in their performance in recent weeks, climbing up the points table with four wins in nine games. Naib’s arrival adds further momentum to their campaign, bolstering their chances of securing a solid finish in the tournament.

Delhi Capitals’ acquisition of Gulbadin Naib signifies a strategic move to strengthen their squad for the remainder of IPL 2024. His experience, skills, and recent form make him a valuable addition to the team as they strive to clinch victory in the upcoming matches.

Mitchell Marsh, the dynamic all-rounder for Delhi Capitals, has returned to Australia due to a partial tear in his right hamstring, an injury that casts a shadow over his participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup. This move, coordinated with Cricket Australia (CA), marks a significant blow for the Capitals, who have already been grappling with form and fitness issues this season.

Mitchell Marsh’s Recent Performances

Marsh’s campaign in the current IPL season has been underwhelming, marred by modest scores and now, an untimely injury. His last appearance saw him exit for a duck against Kolkata Knight Riders, a match that ended in a heavy loss for the Capitals. Prior to this, his contributions were minimal, with innings of 20, 23, and 18, which were far from his explosive best. However, No decision yet on whether Marsh will be withdrawn from the IPL, more so with the T20 World Cup looming.

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The Injury Details

The severity of Marsh’s hamstring tear prompted an immediate consultation with medical experts, leading to his decision to fly back to Australia for advanced treatment. This kind of injury is particularly concerning for athletes like Marsh, who rely heavily on their physical fitness for batting and fielding prowess.

Impact on Delhi Capitals

Marsh’s absence is a significant setback for the Capitals, as they lose not just his batting strength but also his experience and leadership on the field. The team has struggled to find rhythm this season, and losing a key player adds to their challenges.

Coordination Between Cricket Australia and Delhi Capitals

The decision for Marsh to return to Australia was made after careful deliberation between CA and the Capitals. Both organizations are keenly aware of the importance of Marsh’s health, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.

The T20 World Cup and Marsh’s Role

With the T20 World Cup approaching, CA is understandably cautious, aiming to ensure Marsh’s complete recovery and readiness. His all-round abilities make him a crucial member of the Australian squad, expected to play a significant role if fully fit.

Delhi Capitals’ Injury Woes

Alongside Marsh, the Capitals are monitoring other key players like David Warner, who recently suffered a finger injury. The cumulative effect of these injuries could dictate a tough season ahead for the team.

Injuries have become a cause for concern for Delhi Capitals (DC) as all-rounder Mitchell Marsh finds himself sidelined with a hamstring injury. This prompts worries within the team camp and among fans alike. The setback comes at a crucial juncture in the IPL 2024 season, posing challenges for DC’s campaign.

The Revelation by Pravin Amre

Assistant coach Pravin Amre expressed concern over Marsh’s injury, highlighting its significance for the team’s prospects in the ongoing season. Amre’s remarks shed light on the uncertainty surrounding Marsh’s availability and the impact it may have on DC’s performance.

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“A few of our players are injured, and the worrying sign is Mitch Marsh. He has gone for a scan and the physios will give us a report in a week’s time. Then we will come to know what the exact situation is. Whether he can [play the entire season] or not depends on the reports.” Amre said after DC’s 29-run loss away to Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday.

Marsh’s Role in IPL 2024

Initially opening the batting alongside David Warner, Marsh’s role evolved as the season progressed, with him dropping to No. 3 in the batting order. However, his contribution with both bat and ball suffered a setback during DC’s encounter with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he sustained a hamstring injury.

Marsh’s injury not only concerns DC but also raises worries for the Australia team management, given his anticipated leadership role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The severity of the injury and its implications for Marsh’s international commitments add to the apprehension surrounding his recovery.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Absence

In addition to Marsh’s setback, DC has been grappling with the absence of spinner Kuldeep Yadav due to a groin niggle. The continued lack of key players further compounds the challenges faced by the team in finding their winning rhythm. That was the reason why Mitchell Marsh and ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav didn’t play against MI today.

The Road Ahead for DC

Despite the setbacks, DC remains determined to bounce back and reclaim their winning form. With the hope of key players returning to fitness soon, the team looks forward to overcoming these obstacles and making a strong statement in the remainder of the IPL 2024 season.

As Mitchell Marsh’s injury casts a shadow of uncertainty over Delhi Capitals’ campaign, the team finds itself facing a pivotal moment in the IPL 2024 season. However, with resilience and determination, coupled with the potential return of sidelined players, DC remains poised to navigate through adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.

The Australian cricket team delivered a stellar performance, successfully chasing down the 216-run target set by New Zealand with six wickets in hand within 20 overs. This remarkable achievement marked their third-highest successful run chase in T20 cricket, underscoring their resilience in high-pressure situations.

Notably, Australia’s highest successful T20I run chase had also occurred against the Kiwis in Auckland back in 2018 when they achieved a stunning target of 244 runs with seven balls remaining. The second-best chase involved India whereby they hunted down 223 runs in Guwahati last year thereby showing their capacity of chasing big targets against top notch opponents.

Australia’s Dominance in T20I Run-Chases

In a nail-biting climax to the match, and needing 16 off the last over, Tim David played a brave innings striking veteran bowler Tim Southee for 12 from three balls which included an important six and boundary off last throw thus giving Australia an exciting victory.

Unbeaten on 72 runs off 44 balls, skipper Mitchell Marsh provided the much needed support to Tim David. The duo stepped in after wicketkeeper Josh Inglis was dismissed—forming a crucial partnership of 44 runs in just 19 deliveries and taking Australia towards an imposing target set by New Zealand.

Australia’s openers Travis Head and David Warner got the Australian chase off to a good start. Although they both fell within the first seven overs, their rapid scoring partnership put them in a strong position at 69-2.

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Mitchell Marsh and Tim David’s Heroic Partnership

In spite of losing important players, there were middle-order batsmen that contributed substantially to the pursuit. Glenn Maxwell injected some energy into the innings with his quick fire knock of 25 from just 11 balls before being cleaned up by Lockie Ferguson who took a well-directed yorker thus stood out as New Zealand’s most economical bowler.

The first innings began with Finn Allen and Devon Conway opening up with a quickfire partnership of 61 runs in merely 5.2 overs for the Black Caps Franchise. This was followed by Rachin Ravindra reaching his maiden T20I fifty from twenty nine deliveries while Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman also played valuable hands, leading to New Zealand amassing an imposing total of two hundred fifteen for three.

Australia’s strong batting, led by Mitchell Marsh and Tim David, eventually ensured a famous win in a high-scoring contest despite New Zealand’s daunting total, revealing their tough side and performance under pressure in T20 cricket.