Cricket News
ODI World Cup 2023: 3 players who can replace Mitchell Marsh in Australian squad
In the event of his longtime absence, Cricket Australia will need to think about a replacement for him.
Ahead of the marquee game against defending champions, England star and Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh returns home. Amid the ongoing tournament, Marsh returned home due to some personal reasons. Now, in his absence, Australia might field Cameron Green or Marcus Stoinis in the playing XI.
However, Marsh’s unavailability has raised questions over his replacement in the squad. Though Marsh is likely to come back to India before the semifinals, it’s still not confirmed. In the event of his longtime absence, Cricket Australia will need to think about a replacement for him. So, in today’s article, we will discuss the top 3 possible replacement options for Mitchell Marsh.
#3. Tim David
Tim David (Source: Twitter)
Young Australian batter Tim David has been phenomenal throughout his T20 career. Playing for Australia and the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, he has been one of the best finishers. David will be the best bet for Australia to fill in the role of Mitchell Marsh. He can change the momentum along with Glenn Maxwell in slog overs while also providing some bowling.
Additionally, David is a very good fielder at the boundaries a department in Australia has to work in the ongoing tournament. One more thing that solidifies David’s case is his experience and record in Indian conditions. It might help Australia at the business end of the ongoing tournament.
#2. Matt Short
Matt Short (Source: Twitter)
Another young gun Matt Short will be another option to replace Mitchell Marsh in the ongoing tournament. Short can be used as a floater, as he has a great game against spin bowling. He can be used in top order to help team combinations. Meanwhile, in the lower middle order, he can be a great finisher. His amazing batting performance in this year’s Big Bash League is still haunting opponents.
However, he is not a reliable bowling option like David or Marsh. This might weaken his case as a replacement. It’s worth noting that in the ongoing domestic tournament in Australia, Short has scored 126 runs in four innings at an average of 31.50. He has clinched a wicket too in the recent match against New South Wales while playing for Victoria.
#1. Matthew Wade
Matthew Wade (Source: Twitter)
The 36-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is likely to replace Mitchell Marsh. His experience and ongoing form make him the biggest contender. In the ongoing domestic tournament in Australia, Wade has been phenomenal with the bat. He has scored 226 runs at an average of 45.20 in six innings. He has smashed one century and a half in the ongoing tournament.
Additionally, he is set to lead Australia’s 15-member T20I squad against India after the ODI World Cup. All these factors might force the George Bailey-led selection committee to include him in Australia’s World Cup squad to replace Mitchell Marsh. However, he also comes with no bowling option, which might force team management to play him in the top order.
