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‘Reluctant’ Mitchell Marsh declines opening slot role after David Warner retirement

‘Reluctant’ Mitchell Marsh declines opening slot role after David Warner retirement

In the 36 Tests prior to the Australia vs Pakistan match, Mitchell Marsh had scored 1600 runs at an average of 28.57, to go with 45 wickets as well.

David Warner’s 164 wasn’t the only highlight of Australia’s innings in the first Test against Pakistan at Perth, but also the valiant 90 by all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, which took the hosts’ total to 487. This has put the hard-hitting batter in the direct spotlight, to take over the opening role from Warner, once he retires after the series.

But as it turns out, Marsh might not be ready to move from his current no. 6 position. Talking after the second day’s play, Marsh said, “How do I answer this without making a headline?”

“For me, I appreciate there’s talk about it and eventually we’re going to need a new opener with Davey leaving, but I’ve worked really hard to get back in this side and for me to look forward to having a role as an opener just doesn’t make sense to me.

“I love being at number six and in my last four Test matches I’ve really found my way and I guess who I am as a Test cricketer and I’m loving it, so I’m reluctant to change that,” Marsh was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

Marsh on Technique

Falling short of 10 runs from a Test century, Marsh looked rather satisfied with how he played. “I tried to play the long innings and play like Steve Smith and Davey and Uzzy and all those guys who can bat for six hours.

“But I just wanted to come into this Test team and be really true to myself. I’m thankful to Patty [Cummins] and Ronnie [coach Andrew McDonald] for helping me get to this point where I’ve found my method that works. I don’t necessarily have the technique of Smudger and Marnus where they can defend and leave for hours and get through those periods.”

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