With the star batter Aaron Finch retired from ODI cricket, there have been widespread talks about his replacement as the ODI skipper of Australia. There are a few big names in contention like David Warner, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins. Meanwhile, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has ruled himself out of this race.
Marsh has made it clear that he is not interested in the leadership role and would rather focus on improving his personal game. As of now, the middle-order batter is keenly focused on the upcoming 20-20 World Cup at home where the Aussies would be hoping to retain their title.
“Probably not to be honest, I’m out of the race. I’ve had to get the body right for this World Cup. The World Cup is such an exciting prospect for all of us, to worry about that sort of stuff [captaincy] is just not on my radar at the moment”, said Mitchell Marsh as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
Australia will look to defend their World Cup Title at home
“Cricket Australia has a decision to make after the World Cup…it’s really not something I’ve thought about”, he added. The allrounder missed the home ODI series against Zimbabwe and the away T20Is against India due to an ankle injury. He is currently taking part in the home T20Is against arch-rivals England. In the series opener, the all-rounder scored a 26-ball 36 smashing three fours and two sixes.
Australia suffered an eight-run loss in that contest. Marsh would be hoping to prove a point when both teams lock horns in the second game at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on Wednesday, October 12.
The 30-year-old would be expected to work in tandem along with the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Tim David as Australia begin their 20-20 World Cup title defence against Trans-Tasman rivals and last year’s final opponents New Zealand at the SCG on Saturday, October 22.
Mitchell Marsh who had played a match-winning knock in the last year’s 20-20 World Cup final in Dubai would be looking forward to showcasing more of such consistent performances in this year’s tournament.
