Marsh quiet on Smith, loud on Cup outlook

Australia’s T20 captain will skipper the side his way and that includes choosing not to answer questions on Steve Smith.

Mitch Marsh hasn’t touched a bat in a while. And he’s shouldering arms to the sensitive topic of Steve Smith’s seemingly doomed international T20 career.

Australia’s World Cup captain takes the long handle to most things in life he but he’s refusing to speculate on Smith’s future. Letting it straight through to ­Matthew Wade.

Smith, of course, is Smith. One of Australia’s greatest runsmiths. You’d reckon he gets a hit in any World Cup squad except Australia’s. Only the most optimistic of Smith’s supporters expect to see him again in the national T20 side. Asked on Thursday if the great runsmith was done and dusted, Marsh replied: “Nah, that stuff’s not for me to decide. Or comment on.”

Interesting. Because most captains would bang on about Smith being a champion and you never write off a champion and so forth. Marsh has a simple approach to his cricket and it seems he’ll treat spokesmanship in the same uncomplicated manner. If he has something to say as captain, he will say it. If not, through to the ‘keeper, next question.

Marsh’s hamstring injury is a worry. He won’t slog a ball in the nets again for a couple of weeks. Bowling will be a stretch at the World Cup. Australia’s first match is against Oman at Barbados on June 6. “If we had to play tomorrow, I’d be in a bit of trouble,” he admitted. “Still a couple of weeks away. The timing probably sits perfectly, barring any setbacks I’ll be on the plane and ready to go. We’ve just got to get it right over the next three weeks and get on the plane. The hammy’s good … it’s exactly where we want it to be.”

Along the back of his thigh? Marsh was forced home early from the IPL last month. “It’s really disappointing to not be playing with Delhi,” he said. “The IPL’s such a great tournament but it’s been a heavy sort of 18 months on the road so to get home for the last couple of weeks and spend time with family is really important for me. There’s always a silver lining.”

Ready to lead: Mitchell Marsh ahead of Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign next month Picture: Getty Images

Marsh has known for months he would take Australia to the World Cup. Test and ODI skipper Pat Cummins is in the squad but taking a step back to catch his breath and allow Marsh the reins. Not a bad comrade if the rookie skipper needs advice in the utter madness and nerve-shredding tension of a T20 World Cup.

“We’re always in communication as mates and I guess as leaders,” Marsh said. “But no real conversations around the cricket side of things. Just always checking in on each other and as I’ve said many times, we’re great mates and I’m looking forward to working with him over the next little period of time.”

Australia bombed out at the last T20 World Cup. And yet after becoming World Test champions and winning the ODI World Cup, and given the final XI will be so hot the team sheet may burst into flames, Marsh’s mob is probably the team to beat in the Caribbean and US.

“The favouritism stuff is always interesting for me,” he said. “If you look at this tournament now, and if you look at all the teams around the world, I don’t think there can be a favourite. There’s probably five, six, seven teams that can win it. We know in tournament play it’s all about getting things right at the right time and winning big moments. That will be a key focus for us. There’s so many things you’ve got to get through at a World Cup before you get a crack at winning it.”

WA’s Marsh politely declined to talk about Smith but he did crack a few jokes about his 15-man squad featuring six West Australians. “I tried for 15 but (selection chairman) George (Bailey) and (coach) Andrew McDonald knocked me back, unfortunately,” he said. “I couldn’t get the (Perth) Scorchers team over the line. But I do think it’s a credit to WA Cricket.

“I’m just really proud. It’s not every day you get to captain Australia and lead them to a World Cup.”