Cricket World Cup: Injured star Mitch Marsh confident he can squeeze into Australia’s XI

INJURED all-rounder Mitchell Marsh may not bowl before the World Cup, but he’s set to return as a batsman for Australia during the tri-series.

8.12.2014. Australian cricket team practice at Adelaide Oval. Mitchell Marsh and Pat Cummins. pic tait schmaal.

INJURED all-rounder Mitchell Marsh may not bowl before the World Cup, but he’s set to return as a batsman for Australia’s third tri-series match against England in Hobart on January 23.

Marsh is in a dogfight with fellow all-rounders James Faulkner, Shane Watson and Glenn Maxwell for selection in Australia’s best XI.

Despite a lingering right hamstring problem impacting on his workload, the powerful right-hander is confident he can emerge as a first-choice option when the Cup kicks off on February 14.

Marsh says there’s no Michael Clarke-type deadline on his return to fitness, although if he suffered another setback, he too would need to be fit by February 21 because his hamstring injury could also be classified as “chronic”.

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Mitch Marsh picked up an injury while playing in the second Test at the Gabba. Picture: Adam Head.

At this stage that’s not a concern, and Marsh has the time to be eased back as a batsman during the latter part of the tri-series.

“The plan for me is to be available for selection for the Hobart game, but obviously I have got a few things to get past first,” said Marsh.

“At this stage I will be playing the first few games as a batter while I build my workloads up and go from there.

“Hopefully it goes to plan and I can start playing as an all-rounder at the back half of the series.”

However, given Marsh would only have the January 23 match, the Australia Day clash against India in Sydney then a potential final in Perth on February 1, selectors may feel the best option is to restrict his bowling until at least the World Cup warm-up matches.

They have reason to be extra cautious as Marsh, who originally injured himself on day one of the Brisbane Test, suffered further damage during his rehabilitation which set him back even further with his recovery.

Marsh outlined his importance to Australia’s Cup hopes when he drilled a stunning 86 not out off just 51 balls against South Africa in Harare last year — an innings that featured a brutal exhibition of sixes against superstar Dale Steyn.

Although he acknowledges he does need to produce more results with the ball. (At the moment he averages 50.2 from his 12 matches).

Previously Marsh was in and out of the Australian side and was part of the ill-fated Champions Trophy tour of 2013, which was marred by the David Warner-Joe Root fiasco.

Marsh salutes his home crowd after notching a half-century against South Africa. Picture: Daniel Wilkins.

Marsh says the Australian team culture has come a long way since then.

The 23-year-old also believes he’s now in Australia’s best XI, describing the ODI tour of Zimbabwe as a “turning point”, as well as pointing to confidence gained from debuting at Test level.

“The last six months has given me great confidence,” said Marsh, who paid credit to mentor and coach and former World Cup winner, Tom Moody.

“That Zimbabwe trip was a bit of a breakout tour for me and gave me great hunger to stay around this group. It was a turning point for me.

“I have gained great confidence in my body that has given me the ability to go out there and play with freedom and that’s what the Australian team is all about and hopefully I can keep building.

“There’s no beating around the bush (the all-rounders are competing for spots). But I think the balance with so many all-rounders gives us great depth and we’ll all be putting our hands up.”