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Barring Travis Head Australian batters have appeared a bit shaky in the ongoing series against India.
Mitchell Marsh says he’s feeling good despite a sore back. (AP Photo)
Steve Smith hasn’t scored a century since hitting 110 against England at Lord’s last year in June. Since then, Smith has gone 24 innings without reaching three figures and has scored four half-centuries including a best of unbeaten 91. During this period, Australia have experimented with his batting position by promoting him to open the innings as they look to identify a long-time replacement for the retired David Warner at the top of the batting order.
The punt to open with Smith hasn’t worked out well and hence the batting star has been sent back to his favoured position. However, runs are still evading his bat, but Mitchell Marsh has backed the former captain to be back in top form soon.
“I don’t think he has to do anything to show he is Steve Smith,” Marsh said. “We know he is one of our best players ever and we are certainly backing him to get a few runs. I am probably not in position to be telling Smith how he takes the way he needs to work on.”
“We know he (Smith) is a class player and scored a lot of runs for Australia and certainly at times when we have needed, he seems to have stepped up and certainly he has got full faith in his mind,” he added.
Marsh is battling fitness concerns but assures he’s feeling better now and said him not bowling enough in the first two Tests against Australia is part of a “clear plan”.
“I had a sore back, but right now it’s feeling as good as it has felt,” Marsh said.
“We had a really clear plan before the series started. I didn’t bowl as much as I would have liked to in the lead-up to the series, but our medical staff and Ronnie (coach Andrew McDonald) and Patty (captain Pat Cummins) were really clear on my lead-up. I trusted that. I haven’t had to bowl too much so far, but my body is feeling really good,” he added.
Marsh has bowled 21 overs in the first two Tests and wasn’t asked to bowl at all during India’s second innings in Adelaide.
“I will 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. I am really well placed. For me it is all about being able to contribute. Whether that is five overs and bowling the occasional good ball and getting a wicket or just bowling overs to give our boys a chop out, I love it,” Marsh said.
The third Test starts from December 14 on Saturday.
- Location :
Brisbane (Australia)
