Mitch Marsh can hold his head up high, but his spot in the Test XI is now untenable
Tom Morris • December 29th, 2024 7:04 pm
If this is Mitch Marsh’s last Test, he need not be embarrassed or ashamed of the player he eventually became.
Marsh was maligned as a young man, appreciated at his peak, and would surely know himself that his position at six is now untenable.
Before we get to the grim numbers, consider the role of Marsh within this Australian XI.
He’s always been a batter first, bowler second. But as an all-rounder, if one discipline falters, it puts enormous pressure on the other skillset.
In other words, if Marsh was batting well, his lack of penetration with the ball wouldn't particularly matter.
Similarly, if he was taking wickets, he'd be granted more leeway with the stick.
This summer, Marsh has gone missing. He’s a good bloke, catches well in gully and adds plenty to the team culturally, but all these elements are secondary to his primary responsibilities.
He needs runs and ideally a few wickets to justify his place, even with Cam Green unavailable.
Of late, both elements have been lacking. His troublesome body probably hasn't helped his cause. Bowling 17 overs in Perth after a combined 18 overs the previous 11 months.
The chances of the West Aussie either breaking down or faltering were high.
OK, we promised you the stats and here they are.
He has two wickets for the summer at an economy rate of 4.5. And 73 runs at an average of 11.
In 2024, his batting average is 18.
In the fullness of time we will reflect on Marsh’s Test career as broadly underwhelming with moments of brilliance.
At his best, he was a genuine match-winner. We saw it during the Ashes. We saw it in white ball cricket. We knew he had it in him, but he didn’t show it often enough.
An overall batting average of a tick under 30 is not disgraceful, but doesn’t do justice to his prodigal talent. He had a sweet spot where his body was healthy, his mind relaxed and there was room to play alongside Cam Green.
These were his golden years. Or, more accurately, months.
This sweet spot was narrow, but it was fun. No Aussie since Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting pulled off the front foot like Marsh in his pomp.
On the front foot, his Gray Nichols was wide like a paddle. He would plant that front shoe and hit through the line like few others.
But his best ended up being a tease rather than the norm. It’s only because we know what Marsh could do that we are frustrated he didn’t do it more regularly.
If he had less talent and was less entertaining, his overall numbers are perfectly reasonable for a role player-type position.
45 Tests, three tons, nine half centuries and 51 wickets at an average of 39 - these are the stats of someone who should be content with their time at the top, albeit with some juice that was never fulfilled left in the tank.
Who replaces Marsh - if he does get axed - is a question of team balance.
Beau Webster deserves a crack after two outstanding years on the domestic scene. He’s somewhat of a journeyman, which isn’t overly attractive, but he’s probably exactly what is needed.
Webster has crafted his game to give himself a chance and the fact he can bowl pace and spin makes him a particularly attractive proposition for Sri Lanka.
Sean Abbott has a first-class record that wouldn’t look out of place at number seven, but this would force Alex Carey to shift up to number six.
The gloveman has looked good all summer, but aside from one knock in Brisbane his contributions have been somewhat disappointing for a man in form.
It would be incredibly rough on Webster to pick him as the back-up all-rounder, drop the first choice all-rounder, and then bypass him for someone else.
Regardless, Marsh’s days appear numbered in red ball cricket. He’s been a solid servant.
At his best, box office. But it's time for a change.
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