Former Test captain Michael Clarke baffled by Australia’s glaring T20 World Cup mistake

Australia pulled off a T20 World Cup win few thought was possible for the side, but one call nearly derailed the entire effort.

Mitch Marsh wrote himself into Aussie cricket folklore. Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP

Aaron Finch and his teammates arrived back home on Tuesday morning with a T20 World Cup trophy tucked in their suitcase, but former Australian Test captain Michael Clarke remains baffled by one glaring “mistake” during their campaign in the United Arab Emirates.

After two victories against South Africa and Sri Lanka during the Super 12 stage, the Aussies experimented with their starting XI for the match against England in Dubai.

Mitchell Marsh was dropped for fifth bowling option Ashton Agar, whose left-armed orthodox spin would trouble England’s right-handed batters.

But the decision backfired, with Australia’s vulnerable top order crumbling to 4/21 in the seventh over. England ultimately claimed a comprehensive eight-wicket victory, chasing the 126-run target with more than eight overs to spare.

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Australia’s selectors quickly backflipped, recalling Marsh for the following Super 12 contest against Bangladesh. For the remainder of the tournament, the West Australian scored 174 in four innings at a formidable strike rate of 159.63.

He was named Player of the Final for his classy 77 not out in the run chase against New Zealand, guiding Australia towards its maiden T20 World Cup title. ESPNcricinfo and cricket.com.au also included Marsh in their Team of the Tournament.

In 2021, Marsh broke the Australian record for most T20 international runs scored in a calendar year, which was previously held by skipper Aaron Finch.

He was by a considerable margin Australia’s best batter during the winter tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies, forcing his way into the coveted No. 3 spot at the expense of powerhouse Steve Smith.

Dropping Marsh was a head scratcher for Michael Clarke. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images for 2022 T20 World Cup

It’s therefore puzzling that Marsh was axed from the national side for its most important match of the Super 12 stage.

“When we first got to the UAE, we were still unsure what our style of play was,” Clarke told reporters at the SCG on Tuesday morning, speaking at an event promoting next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

“We started (the tournament) with the three quicks and one spinner option, and then for England we made the change - for why, I don’t know.

“I think we made a mistake in making that change, but we did the right thing in going back.”

Clarke played alongside Marsh during the early stages of his international career, when the all-rounder struggled to prove his worth in Australian colours.

Marsh averages 25.20 in Test cricket, and has not played for Australia in whites since the 2019 Ashes series. But following his T20 World Cup heroics, some cricket pundits are calling for the 30-year-old to be given another crack at representing Australia in the game’s longest format.

“To see Mitch Marsh in the final after the criticism he’s copped through his career is very special,” Clarke said.

“His game’s improved out of sight … his form across all formats over the past couple of years has been outstanding.

“You won’t find a better team man than Mitchell Marsh … he’ll do anything for the team.

“What Mitch is getting at the moment is what he deserves. He works as hard as anyone, and he’s extremely talented.

“Now what he’s doing is putting that talent into performance consistently. I’ve always thought he has the potential to play all three formats.

“He has leadership qualities - he captained the Australia U19s.

“If he gets a crack in Test cricket, I’ve got no doubt he’ll grab it with both hands.”

It turned out alright for Mitch Marsh. Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Speaking to Fox Cricket last week, Marsh opened up about the moment Australian coach Justin Langer told him he had not been selected for the England fixture.

“I politely said ‘no worries mate’ and walked back into my room and I screamed in my pillow,” he said.

“Nah, I didn’t really.

“It was a tough one. They’re tough conversations always those ones.”

The 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway on October 16, with Sydney and Adelaide to host the semi-finals before a final at the MCG on November 13.