Mitchell Marsh Declares Fitness for Pink Ball Test Against India
Australia’s seam-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is fit for the second Test against India. It will use the pink ball and start on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. The 33-year-old confirmed his fitness after some discomfort in the first Test in Perth. Australia lost the match by 295 runs.
Marsh’s assurance is a big boost for Australia. The team is already missing senior pacer Josh Hazlewood, who is out with a side strain.
Marsh Declares: “I’m Good to Go”
Mitchell Marsh played through discomfort after bowling 19.3 overs in the first Test in Perth. With the team unsure of his availability, Australia added uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster to the squad as cover. However, Marsh put all doubts to rest upon his arrival in Adelaide.
Speaking to Channel Nine, Marsh confirmed his readiness for the match: “The body’s all good, yep. Nah, nah, I’m good to go. I’ll be there,” he said, exuding confidence about his fitness.
Australia’s Challenges Ahead of the Second Test
Australia is relieved by Mitchell Marsh’s availability. They must reshuffle their pace attack after Josh Hazlewood withdrew. Hazlewood’s absence may open the door for Scott Boland. He could join Starc and Cummins in the fast-bowling lineup for the pink ball Test.
Marsh has ankle injury concerns. He also had surgery that sidelined him for parts of the 2022-23 summer. His bowling workload has been managed. He now mainly bats.
Marsh’s Recent Form in Test Cricket
Since his return to the Test side with a century in the Ashes, Mitchell Marsh has batted well. In 11 matches, he has scored 803 runs at an average of 44.61.
In the opening Test in Perth, Marsh shone. He scored a tough 47 off 67 balls, alongside Travis Head (89). They were among the few bright spots in Australia’s poor batting.
Key Takeaways
Mitchell Marsh Fitness: He is fit for the second Test on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval.
Josh Hazlewood Out: Senior pacer Josh Hazlewood has a side strain. He will miss the match. Scott Boland will likely replace him.
Marsh’s Recent Stats: In his last 11 Tests, Marsh scored 803 runs at an average of 44.61. This cements his role as a key batter.
As Australia seeks to rebound in the pink ball Test, Marsh’s fitness and form are key. They need to redeem themselves against a strong Indian side.
