Mitchell Marsh’s decision to put Ashes hopes ahead of IPL riches finally pays off
Mitchell Marsh craved to be part of the Ashes tour so much that he took no part in last year’s lucrative Indian Premier League auction. And now the all-rounder’s dedication has finally paid off.
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Would you sacrifice $3 million for one game of cricket?
Mitchell Marsh did in his quest for Ashes glory.
No matter what fate awaits Marsh in his recall to Test cricket at The Oval, the match at least is a reward for someone who wanted this moment desperately and has been eyeing it off for years.
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In fact so badly did Marsh crave to be part of this tour he took no part in last year’s rich Indian Premier League auction because he had intended to play for English county Surrey on a much inferior deal to get him ready for the Ashes and, to a lesser extent, the World Cup.
Ironically that plan had to be aborted due to injury but it showed where his heart was.
Marsh had already been a million dollar player under his previous IPL deal with Pune and his price was expected to rise in another three-year deal given the increased salary cap at last year’s auction.
But he put his country before cash.
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“That’s the lure of the IPL, the money and playing in India, but I made my decision based on cricket,” Marsh said at the time.
“We’ve got a lot of cricket coming up in England over the next few years and I want to give myself the best opportunity (to perform in 2019) … and get used to the conditions.”
English conditions test Marsh’s batting game because they call for sweet subtlety where his game is more heavy handed.
The swinging ball tests his footwork but at least he has sweet memories of Ashes cricket after dominating England in Australia on the last Ashes tour.
Marsh was heartbroken to miss the World Cup.
He described the depressing countdown to his World Cup omission as the most difficult six months of his life.
But even he admits the selectors owe him nothing. They have urged and cajoled him but at Test level – with a batting average of 25 and bowling average of 44 – he still has much to prove.
Mitchell’s brother Shaun felt he had not seen him in better physical shape than he has been in the last few months.
Being chosen in the Ashes squad was some reward for the enigmatic all-rounder but selection in The Oval Test is a sweet punchline.
Once touted as an Australian captain, Marsh does not have to shoot the lights out at The Oval to gain a pass mark.
In a low scoring series, any score above 30 has been useful.
If he can chime in with two or so wickets and let the big boys in the pace attack catch their breath it could help Australia complete a rousing finish to an unforgettable series.
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