T20 World Cup Final: Humble Aussie hero Mitchell Marsh puts country ahead of cash
Mitchell Marsh first played in the IPL at 17, but money wasn’t everything - international success was his heart’s desire and now the much-maligned 31-year-old is on top of the world.
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Mitch Marsh‘s World Cup masterclass was a sweet reward for his decision to sacrifice $3 million in potential earnings in the hope of doing his country proud.
Three years ago Marsh turned his back on a certain million dollar payday in the Indian Premier League auction because he wanted to prioritise developing his all around skills to maximise his chances of playing for Australia.
His dynamic, World Cup-winning 77 off 50 balls against New Zealand was the type of signature moment he was dreaming about when, on several occasions, he put country ahead of cash.
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“There has been three or four times when Mitchell has turned down big offers because he wanted to give himself every chance to play cricket for Australia which he just loves,‘’ said Marsh’s manager Stephen Atkinson.
“People forget he first played in the Indian Premier League when he was 17. In white ball cricket he has always been in demand. Players like playing with him.”
Marsh has revealed how the bumps and bruises of one of cricket’s most volatile careers gave him the courage to play the innings of his life for Australia in the World Cup final.
There has not been a more maligned Australian cricketer in recent memory than Marsh and the fact he made the admission two years ago that “most of Australia hate me” shows the vicious pressure he was put under to perform every time he has taken the field.
For Marsh to produce his finest performance on the biggest stage in T20 cricket illustrates the character of the man as much as his underappreciated skill.
He has now created a legacy that can never be taken away from him.
“I know it’s often spoken about, my journey and the ups and downs. But all those experiences just build resilience,” said Marsh.
“That sort of stuff has got me to the point where I was able to go out and perform in a World Cup final and I lent on all those experiences. Both amazing, playing cricket for Australia and WA, as well as the tougher experiences.
“I think I’m certainly very confident in my ability now.
“What stands out for me most is just the love in this team. I’m playing for my teammates. I’m not going out there to play for my spot, or show people or prove people wrong.
From Australia’s humiliating tour of West Indies and Bangladesh this year, Marsh was the one green shoot to emerge as he announced himself as the man to take on the crucial No.3 position.
It was a selection masterstroke, although even then, Marsh was controversially axed from the line-up for the group game against England – as Australia decided to gamble on what was working and choose an extra bowler in Ashton Agar instead.
The move backfired, but Marsh’s confidence and resolve did not waver, and in both the semi-final and final, his energy and brutal hitting gave Australia its mojo back and delivered the maiden World Cup triumph that eluded them in Twenty20 cricket for nearly 15 years.
As for a push now for him to break back into Australia’s Test team as a No.6 for enforcer for the Ashes?
Asked where he thinks his World Cup heroics might take him next: “Right now it’s just taking me to the rooftop bar,” said Marsh, who will play in the Ashes warm-up match but expects to start the summer in the BBL.
“This is a moment I’m going to savour and enjoy tonight.”
MARSH, WARNER CRUSH KIWIS TO SEAL HISTORIC T20 TITLE
By Ben Horne
Mitchell Marsh and David Warner have created history for Australia, bludgeoning cricket’s sleeping giants to Twenty20 World Cup glory for the first time.
Nobody gave Australia a hope leading into the tournament with Justin Langer under intense pressure as coach and the team reeling at a lowly No.7 in the world rankings from humiliating defeats in the West Indies and Bangladesh when several stars pulled out of touring.
No one was under more heat than Warner who was axed from his IPL franchise on the eve of the World Cup, but the all-time great opener produced one of the signature performances of his career with an ice cold 53 off 38 taking the sting out of what seemed an imposing 173-run target set by New Zealand to win.
But overshadowing even Warner was perhaps Australia’s most maligned modern-day cricketer – Marsh – who made a matchwinning 77 not out off 50 balls to create a legacy on the biggest stage that can never be taken away from him.
Marsh’s 53 off 31 balls was the fastest ever half century in a World Cup final, with the six he slaughtered off New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi off the first delivery he faced set the tone for a famous night for Australian cricket.
In the end, it was an emphatic eight-wicket hammering sealed with seven balls remaining – sparking jubilant and emotional scenes for Marsh, who has been through so much heartache during his career but was named player of the match.
When captain Aaron Finch fell for just 5 Australia was under the pump, and wondering whether they’d be left to rue a crucial dropped catch that allowed Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson to blast a memorable 85 off 48 and put a total on the board that was going to take serious chasing.
But cometh the hour cometh the man, as one of Australia’s greatest ever white ball batsman Shane Watson declaring Marsh’s dam busting knock “one of the best Twenty20 innings I’ve seen.”
Australia’s decision to move Marsh to No.3 has proven a revelation and Watson said the player of the final performance will be the making of a 30-year-old who now must be seriously considered for the Ashes as an in-form enforcer at No.6.
No one understands the public criticism Marsh has copped throughout his career more than Watson, who was a lightning rod himself during his playing days – perhaps the all-rounder’s curse.
But Marsh’s skill was laid bare in Dubai, with Glenn Maxwell (28 not out) helping ice the game with a late cameo, with a reverse sweep four to finish it.
The Marsh and Warner double act marks the first time in the history of World Cup finals that two teammates have scored 50, with their partnership worth 92 off 59 balls.
Warner — named man of the tournament for his 289 runs — was written off by critics leading into the World Cup, not least of all by his IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad who refused to pick him despite his incredible record.
It left Australia’s key man with a non-existent preparation for the Cup, and he had barely faced a delivery since April.
But Warner has risen when it mattered, smashing 89 not out against the West Indies to get Australia into the knockouts, and then hitting 49 in the semi-final against Pakistan and a crucial half-century in the final to confirm his status as one of the greatest T20 batsmen of all time.
Given Australia’s unmatched record at 50-over World Cups, it was a mystery as to why T20 glory had eluded them ever since the format started in 2007.
But after so many disappointments, Australia crushed little brother New Zealand in a similarly dominant wipe-out to their 2015 ODI triumph over the Black Caps at the MCG.
Australia was left to worry how crucial it would prove dropping Williamson when he was just 21, with Josh Hazlewood’s rare blip on the boundary allowing the New Zealand captain to break the shackles and at the same time exposing Mitchell Starc to a painful night with the ball.
Had the catch stuck for Hazlewood in the 11th over, Starc would have had the key wicket of the final, but instead the drop went over the rope for four and 19 runs were smashed off the over to get the Black Caps back into the match after they were strangled for just 1-32 in the power play.
Starc was then pounded for five boundaries for 22 runs by Williamson in the 16th over in one of the most expensive overs in World Cup final history as the kiwi master accelerated from 15 off 16 early in his innings to post the equal highest score ever in a title decider with 85 off just 48 balls.
In the 2015 ODI World Cup final, Starc was the hero – knocking over Brendon McCullum in the first over in a match-defining moment if ever there was one.
But in last night’s big dance in Dubai, Starc was left to nurse figures of 0-60 – the second most runs conceded ever by an Australian in a T20 international.
Hazlewood was absolutely superb with the ball though, with his 3-16 cementing his position as one of the best all-format bowlers in world cricket, with the big wicket of Daryl Mitchell in the power play and then, eventually the crucial scalp of Williamson in the third last over to potentially mitigate the damage late.
Adam Zampa also enhanced his claims for player of the tournament with a tidy 1-26 once again putting the clamps on Australia’s opposition in the middle overs.
Pat Cummins (0-27) was also rock solid, but New Zealand led by a masterful knock from Williamson were able to exploit Australia’s fifth and sixth bowling option, with Glenn Maxwell taken for nine runs over from his three and Mitchell Marsh 11 from his solitary over.
AS IT HAPPENED
By Michael Randall
Set 172 to win, Australia lost captain Aaron Finch for just 5 and the Kiwis thought they were in with a chance.
But a remarkable display of power hitting from David Warner and Mitch Marsh took the World Cup away from New Zealand.
Warner, cautious early, was inspired by Marsh — who clubbed a monstrous six off the first ball he faced. The opener’s 53 came off 38 balls and featured three sixes and four boundaries.
His stumps were castled by Trent Boult, but not before the pair had put on 92 between them.
Marsh, then, went on with it, pummeling every Kiwi on his way to 77 off 50 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes — his 50 coming off a T20 World Cup Final-record 31 balls.
He had some help from Glenn Maxwell, who clearly wanted to finish it as quick as he could, crushing 28 off 18 balls with 4 fours and a six.
Australia now adds the piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet it had always coveted, but never before been able to win — the T20 World Cup.
So often a whipping boy for Aussie fans, Marsh will return a hero — especially to his teammates.
“We actually love each other … I’m so proud,” Marcus Stoinis said.
“You won’t find bigger supporters of Mitch Marsh than right here.
“We’re so happy for him.”
Trent Boult, as he has done so often before, was the only Kiwi bowler who caused any danger to the Aussies, snaring both wickets, 2-18.
The Kiwis’ innings got off to a hot start, reaching 28 without loss inside four overs — Matty Wade spilt Martin Guptill, who went on to make an uncharacteristically slow 28 off 35 balls.
Wade did snaffle Daryl Mitchell for 11 off 8 balls with a regulation one off Josh Hazlewood.
The Kiwis went 32 balls without a boundary before Kiwi captain Kane Williamson started the fireworks.
Dropped on 21 by Hazlewood, the superstar bat blazed the Aussies all over Dubai International Cricket Stadium, clubbing the fastest 50 in T20 World Cup final history on his way to 85 off 48 balls.
Hazlewood did fight back, snaring two wickets in the same over, including that of Williamson, but the damage had been done.
He did bowl beautifully with 3-16 off his four overs.
Williamson took a particular liking to Mitchell Starc — who produced the most expensive figures in a T20 World Cup final with 0-60 — smacking 19 and then 22 of consecutive overs from the fast bowler.
The Aussies restricted the Kiwis to 57 off the first 10, before the explosion, where they hit 115 off the last 10.
Glenn Phillips made 18 off 17, Jimmy Neesham 13* off 7 and Tim Seifert 8 off 6. Adam Zampa took 1-26 for the Aussies.
Warner gone as Marsh peels off record-breaking 50
A brilliant innings from David Warner is brought to an end by the reintroduction of Kiwi key man Trent Boult.
Boult rattled his stumps — it was probably Davey’s first false shot of the innings — but now it’s up to Mitch Marsh, with some help from Glenn Maxwell.
Marsh has hit a number of towering sixes on his way to 53 off 31 balls. His half century eclipses Kane Williamson in the Kiwis’ innings as the fastest in a T20 World Cup final.
Marsh, Warner tee off
Warner reached his half century — off 34 balls — with another massive six. He made 45 in the semi, but he looks so much better here. Incredible batting from both he and Marsh, who hit a six off the first ball he faced and did it again off the first ball after drinks.
Poor old Jimmy Neesham on a hiding to nothing — 15 off his over after drinks and the Aussies have passed three figures.
Finch goes cheap as Kiwis put Aussies on back foot
Aussie captain Aaron Finch survived an early lbw shout, but his pull shot found Daryl Mitchell in the deep and the Aussies are behind the eight ball.
Mitch Marsh has just hit one of the biggest tommys you will ever see, landing in the top tier of the ‘ring of fire’ with nothing more than a flick of the wrists off Kiwi speedster Adam Milne.
He and Dave Warner have steadied the ship and the Aussies are well ahead of where the Kiwis were at the half way mark.
Both men have looked assured — and have clobbered some massive balls.
Looks like there are a lot of runs in this pitch and perhaps the Kiwis left some out there.
The sprint home is 91 off 60.
KIWI INNINGS SUMMARY
Australia will chase 172 at 8.65 runs per over.
New Zealand got off to a hot start, reaching 28 without loss inside four overs — Matty Wade spilt Martin Guptill, who went on to make an uncharacteristically slow 28 off 35 balls.
Wade did snaffle Daryl Mitchell for 11 off 8 balls with a regulation one off Josh Hazlewood.
The Kiwis went 32 balls without a boundary before Kiwi captain Kane Williamson started the fireworks.
Dropped on 21 by Hazlewood, the superstar bat blazed the Aussies all over Dubai International Cricket Stadium, clubbing the fastest 50 in T20 World Cup final history on his way to 85 off 48 balls.
Hazlewood did fight back, snaring two wickets in the same over, including that of Williamson, but the damage had been done.
He did bowl beautifully with 3-16 off his four overs.
Williamson took a particular liking to Mitchell Starc — who produced the most expensive figures in a T20 World Cup final with 0-60 — smacking 19 and then 22 of consecutive overs from the fast bowler.
The Aussies restricted the Kiwis to 57 off the first 10, before the explosion, where they hit 115 off the last 10.
Glenn Phillips made 18 off 17, Jimmy Neesham 13* off 7 and Tim Seifert 8 off 6. Adam Zampa took 1-26 for the Aussies.
Hazlewood’s redemption after shocking drop
After Mitch Starc got absolutely hammered, Pat Cummins reeled the Kiwis back and then Josh Hazlewood — who had earlier dropped Kane Williamson when he was just 21 — removed Glenn Phillips and, two balls later, Williamson, both caught in the deep in the same over.
The Kiwis are still on target for a competitive total, but it could have been a lot less — had Hazlwood taken the catch — or a lot more — had he not removed Williamson.
Costly drop as Kiwis come alive
Josh Hazlewood has spilt the Kiwi captain.
Williamson whacked Starc in the air behind square and it went through Hazlewood’s hands and over the boundary for four — it took him to 21.
He then crunched one for four down the ground next ball — then Starc bowled a full toss no ball and got slammed for four.
19 runs off the over and they’re alive.
To add insult to injury, Marcus Stoinis had to dive full stretch to save a boundary and he’s pulled up gingerly.
Never fear, thought, Zampa is here — he gets Guptill next over — Stoin taking the catch at deep mid wicket.
The drop is getting very ugly for the Aussies — Williamson has taken a liking to Glenn Maxwell, hammering him for back to back sixes to reach his half century in quick time — real quick time: it’s the fastest 50 in a T20 World Cup final.
He’s annihilated Starc, again, 22 runs off his last over, after 19 the over before. It’s the most expensive over in a T20 World Cup final — Starc’s got 0-50 off three overs!
Wade atones after early spill
The Kiwis had a hot start — 28 without loss in 3.4 overs — and Matty Wade spilt a tough chance off opener Martin Guptill after the Aussies pinched a Glenn Maxwell over.
Not to worry, Wade gobbled up Daryl Mitchell off Josh Hazlewood next over.
The Kiwis didn’t hit a boundary for 32 balls — they’ve been bogged down by some miserly Aussie bowling — but they have only lost one wicket and that’s the danger.
Williamson crunched back to back boundaries — aerial over cover and then a punishing pull shot — before copping one on the helmet. That brought the medicos out for a welfare check, but he’s been allowed to bat on. They are under a run a ball at the half way mark.
Where’s the crowd?
This is supposed to be the pinnacle of the shortest form of the game, but no one in Dubai appears to care.
The seats are bare at Dubai International Cricket Stadium as the Aussies and Kiwis square off — it more akin to a Sheffield Shield clash than a World Cup Final.
How disappointed the ICC must have been that the Aussies knocked off Pakistan in the semi final — the stadium would have been rocking with a pro-Pakistan crowd.
Bit of a shame, but it is what it is.
Huge crowd at T20 World Cup Final.#AusVsNZ#T20WorldCuppic.twitter.com/4Ru8Zunul0
— RED CACHE (@redcachenet) November 14, 2021
TEAMS
Aussie captain Aaron Finch has won the toss: “We’ll have a bowl, bro”.
If past results are anything to go on, it’s a massive win for Finchy and the Aussies.
There have been 12 matches played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the tournament — 11 of them have been won by the chasing team.
Australia goes into the final settled — no changes.
Australia XI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Finch: “It (the pitch) looks a little bit drier than the one we played on last. It might skip on with the new ball and hopefully it stays that way. We’ve put ourselves in a good position, that’s all we can ask.”
The Kiwis have one forced change with Devon Conway out injured after his semi final brain faide and Tim Seifert in.
New Zealand XI: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Seifert (wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Trent Boult
Kiwi captain Kane Richardson: “We would have done the same (bowled) it looks like a reasonable pitch.”
Dubai earthquake hours before final
Of all the things you could come up with that might happen on the day of the World Cup Final, an earthquake would surely be last.
But that’s what’s reportedly happened in Dubai, just a couple of hours before the Aussies take on New Zealand.
The aftershocks were felt in the UAE after a magnitude 6.5 earthquake in southern Iran.
More Coverage
Earthquake in Dubai two hours before the #t20worldcup final there https://t.co/8d8azRE8SZ
— Daniel Cherny 📰 (@DanielCherny) November 14, 2021
Earthquake in Dubai just before #T20WorldCupFinal
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) November 14, 2021
Had no idea it was an earthquake while I walked across the room and took this video. .. I did not feel anything else in the room shake...and we were not asked to run out either. I was in a meeting with my team who were watching it from my laptop
— Jia Menon (@MenonJia) November 14, 2021
#Dubai#earthquake#Earthpic.twitter.com/7fec4mLdIL
Earthquake aftermath in Dubai #earthquake#dubaipic.twitter.com/9iR1qwV19V
— Ayush Shukla (@A4yush) November 14, 2021
Originally published as T20 World Cup Final: Humble Aussie hero Mitchell Marsh puts country ahead of cash
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