Mitch Marsh opens up on what triggered incredible innings against Bangladesh

Mitch Marsh has opened up on the details behind his barnstorming century against Bangladesh – and the earlier World Cup match that left him frustrated with himself.

Mitch Marsh has vowed not to go back into his shell after revealing the disappointment of how he batted against New Zealand was the impetus of his barnstorming century against Bangladesh on Saturday.

Marsh blasted an unbeaten 177 from 132 balls as Australia geared up for its World Cup semi-final against South Africa with an eight-wicket win against the Tigers in Pune.

The West Australian started the tournament opening the batting but dropped down to No. 3 against the Black Caps to accommodate Travis Head’s return.

While Head made a punishing century in that match, Marsh was tied down by the NZ spinners, meandering to 36 off 51 balls during a middle overs stretch in which the Black Caps worked their way back into the match.

That innings, combined with Steve Smith’s stated preference to bat at No. 3, placed Marsh’s suitability to first drop under the microscope, but the West Australian said that it was less about position and more about mindset.

Mitch Marsh celebrates after his blistering century against Bangladesh. Picture: AFP Images

“I feel like there’s no real difference opening or batting No. 3 for me,” Marsh said.

“There’s been really good lessons to me throughout the World Cup, I think the New Zealand game I sort of lost my intent a little bit when I came out. That went against what we’re really about as a team and for me especially what’s worked over the last 12 to 18 months with my intent. So that was a really good lesson, and luckily it was in a round game and not the semi-final. So my intent would be the same moving forward.

“That New Zealand game was disappointing from a personal point of view, the way I went about it and sort of got stuck, my whole game’s been based around being brave and trusting that I’m good enough to do what I do, and if I get out doing it that way then so be it. I guess that’s been our team philosophy, that’s what’s made us a really good team over the last two years. So I’m grateful to have the backing of everyone in our whole squad.”

In between the NZ and Bangladesh games, Marsh flew back to Perth and missed the match against England to near his ailing grandfather Ross, who died early in November.

Marsh said he had felt the backing of both teammates and family throughout a difficult period.

“I felt really supported from our group (and) our family. My nanna was very vocal about me coming straight back and getting stuck in so my pop certainly would have been as well so that gave me a lot of I guess, happiness to come back and do this,” Marsh said.

“Also I’ve worked my whole career to be able to play the World Cup so Pop certainly would have understood that. I watched the funeral online yesterday so I felt like I was there, and (then) back to work as everyone else does.

“My pop was an outstanding man but probably just a huge cricket supporter and yeah, he’s watched a lot of cricket over his time, so it was always sad but he lived a beautiful life.”

Originally published as Mitch Marsh opens up on what triggered incredible innings against Bangladesh