Mitchell Marsh on Jasprit Bumrah: Australia’s Plans to Attack the World’s Best Bowler
With the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaching, Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh stressed the need to take on Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Marsh called him “the best bowler in the world”. The critical match kicks off on December 14 at Brisbane’s Gabba, with the series locked at 1-1.
Marsh highlighted the risks of playing too defensively against Bumrah.“He is coming. When you have the best bowler in the world, if you are just trying to see him off, he is going to have one with your name on it. It is about applying pressure with your own method and taking the challenge on.”
Australia is high after a 10-wicket win in the second Test at Adelaide Oval. They head into the third Test with that momentum. Their resurgence followed a crushing 295-run loss in the opener at Perth’s Optus Stadium. There, Jasprit Bumrah and India’s stars—KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal—dominated.
In the second Test, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins shone with the ball. Travis Head’s century, a counter-attack, helped Australia chase a target of 19 runs with ease.
The focus now shifts to The Gabba, a venue where India famously ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak during their historic 2020-21 series win.
Mitchell Marsh’s Individual Performance
Marsh, who has scored 62 runs across three innings in the series, remains the only batter in Australia’s top seven not yet dismissed by Bumrah. However, he stressed the importance of situational awareness and adaptability at the crease.
“Everyone has their own plans, and we all bat differently, so it is about the situation in the game. Sometimes you have to get through a spell, and sometimes it is time to attack. We have players in our batting line-up who play differently,” he added.
Bowling Workload Management
On his bowling workload, Marsh assured fans that he feels fit and is ready to bowl as much as needed. After taking three wickets in 17 overs during the first Test at Perth, Marsh bowled only four overs in the second Test, conceding 26 runs without a wicket.
Marsh attributed the reduced workload to a pre-series plan aimed at managing his fitness, especially given his history of back injuries.“We had a really clear plan before the series started. I did not bowl as much as I would have liked in the lead-up, but our medical staff, Ronnie (coach Andrew McDonald), and Patty were really clear on my preparation, and I trusted that. I have not had to bowl much so far, but my body is feeling really good. Right now, it feels as good as it has felt,” Marsh said.
Josh Hazlewood’s Potential Return
When asked about Josh Hazlewood’s availability for the third Test following his recovery from a side strain, Marsh praised his teammate’s readiness.“The great thing about Josh is that he’s a very level-headed character. He will do everything he can to be fit for the game, and then it is up to the leadership group and selectors to make the final decision.” -Marsh said.
Looking Ahead to The Gabba
With the series delicately poised at 1-1, the third Test promises to be a thrilling encounter. Jasprit Bumrah, currently the No. 1 ranked Test bowler, will remain a key figure in India’s bowling attack. Australia will try to use their strong bowlers, including a likely returning Hazlewood, to regain the edge in the series.
