Cricket news 2023: Mitchell Marsh looms as chief option to replace Pat Cummins as white-ball captain

Mitchell Marsh made a stunning return to the Test team with an inspirational performance at Headingley – but an even greater honour could be on the horizon for the all-round star.

Even if Mitchell Marsh misses out in the Old Trafford Test match lottery, there are still good times ahead for the one-time heartbreak kid.

Australia is looking for its next white ball captain and selectors should look no further than Marsh, provided he wants the job.

While Pat Cummins will pilot Australia’s campaign at this year’s ODI World Cup in India, the expectation is he may then scale back his leadership responsibilities to Test team only.

The next major event for the national white ball team would then be at next year’s Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, and a new long-term captain is needed following the retirement of Aaron Finch.

Mitch Marsh has been a mainstay of Australia’s white-ball teams. Picture: Getty

Sources believe 31-year-old Marsh is the firm favourite to take the reins in what would be a stunning final chapter to his complex career.

Marsh is now one of the first picked in both ODI and T20 cricket as a hard-hitting No.3 batsman and other potential candidates like Alex Carey and Travis Head are currently only in the 50-over team.

The only proviso though of course would be that Marsh actually wants to take on the role given his well-documented history of injury troubles as an all-rounder.

When asked last October whether he would be interested in succeeding Finch as ODI captain, Marsh said: “Probably not to be honest, I’m out of the race.”

Could Mitchell Marsh (R) succeed Pat Cummins as Australia’s white-ball captain? Picture: Getty

However, Marsh was speaking in the context that the T20 World Cup was about to begin and he was in a race against time to get his body right.

Australia will be hoping the passing of time and career-enhancing ankle surgery changes Marsh’s thinking.

What makes Marsh such a captaincy standout in the eyes of teammates and selectors is that he’s a leader without really trying to be a leader – perhaps why he is reluctant to put himself forward for the job.

Given the inherent individualism of cricket, Marsh’s selflessness as a cricketer is rare and his embodiment of ‘team first’ comes despite the fact he has been arguably Australia’s most maligned cricketer since Shane Watson.

Marsh made a stunning impact with bat and ball during Australia’s third Test defeat to England. Picture: Getty

Marsh was picked for this Ashes tour as much for the fact he is the type of character who bonds a touring party together, as his brilliant skill and ability to cover for Cameron Green, which was on full display with his century for the ages at Headingley.

He is a dynamic personality and someone whose exposure to the brutal scrutiny and setbacks the game can serve up only makes him a better-rounded candidate.

At 31-years of age, Marsh could have an excellent two or three years in charge of Australia’s white ball teams.

But first – will he play the fourth Ashes Test?

Originally published as Cricket news 2023: Mitchell Marsh looms as chief option to replace Pat Cummins as white-ball captain