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'Mitch's time': Aussies back Marsh ahead of SCG Test
Scott Bailey, AAP • January 1st, 2025 5:47 pm
Photo: Scott Barbour/AAP
Alex Carey has launched an impassioned defence of under-pressure allrounder Mitch Marsh, declaring it will be "Mitch's time" at the SCG.
Australia enter Friday's series-deciding fifth Test against India with several questions over their side, including the fitness of quick Mitchell Starc, who was sent for scans on his sore ribs on Wednesday.
Starc and the rest of Australia's pace attack did not bowl in an optional session at the SCG, given the short turnaround after the thrilling final-hour win at the MCG on Monday.
But the Australian camp are confident he will overcome his rib issue to play in Sydney, with a win or draw enough to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Photo: James Ross/AAP
Starc's availability could also have a flow-on effect for Marsh's selection, given Australia may need extra back up with the ball.
The West Australian has only been called upon for 13 overs in the past three Tests, with his pace appearing well down while going wicketless.
The 33-year-old Marsh did suffer back complaints following the first Test in Perth, but Australian management have since insisted there are no fitness concerns for him.
He has also struggled for runs with the bat, with scores of 9, 5, 4, 2 and 0 from his past five innings.
That has left the door ajar for a push for Tasmanian allrounder Beau Webster to debut in his spot.
Webster has averaged 57.1 in first-class cricket since March 2022, while also picking up 81 wickets at 31.7.
Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP
Another option would be to add more bowling stocks in the form of uncapped allrounder Sean Abbott, moving wicketkeeper Carey up to bat at No.6 in place of Marsh.
But Carey said there was no need to make any such changes, expecting Marsh to play in Sydney.
"This is still a really strong line-up. I don't see it (changing) in the near future," Carey said.
"We've got great balance. I think the boys have shown throughout the series some really class innings.
"From Marnus (Labuschagne), to not start the series the way he would have liked, to I thought that 70 in the second innings was worth 150 just the way it was going.
"Smudge (Steve Smith), Heady (Travis Head), and big Bison (Marsh) is just around the corner as well."
Photo: James Ross/AAP
Marnus Labuschagne changed his fortunes with scores of 72 and 70 in the fourth Test. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
Pressed further on whether he thought Marsh could follow in the footsteps of Labuschagne and Smith in recovering from his slow start to the series, Carey was emphatic.
"Whenever we have put someone in the spotlight, the true Aussie way is to show them how good we are," Carey said.
"So I think it is Mitch's time."
Friday's Test looms as Australia's biggest in Sydney in 21 years, since Steve Waugh's farewell match coincided with a 1-1 series scoreline against India in 2004.
Beyond winning back the Border-Gavaksar Trophy for the first time in a decade, a victory at the SCG would also ensure qualification for the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June.
The SCG fixture therefore has the potential to be legacy-defining for a number of Australia's team, with teenage sensation Sam Konstas the only player aged below 30.
"It would be a reward for 24 months of really solid cricket, a group that is extremely experienced, skilful and has Australian legends amongst it," said Carey.
"At the start of the series we wanted to win the series and we've got an opportunity to do that but we can't look too far ahead.
"If are able to secure the trophy it would be fantastic."
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of Australia v India, thanks to our partners SEN Cricket - the fifth Test starts January 3 from 11am NZDT - available on the Sport Nation app - available now on the App Store and Google Play.
The delicately poised Test series between Australia and India reaches its finale at the SCG | Video: AAP
