In the upcoming white-ball tour of South Africa, Mitchell Marsh, the star all-rounder, has no intentions of making drastic changes. Instead, he plans to maintain the standards set by regular skipper Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald. The 31-year-old is set to captain the Australian T20I and ODI teams due to Cummins' absence, caused by a fractured wrist.
Marsh commented to cricket.co.au, "I probably won't try and reinvent the wheel at all. I think the most important thing I've learned about leadership is staying true to yourself." He praised Cummins and McDonald, saying, "Patty and Andrew McDonald have created an incredible environment around our group right now so hopefully I can continue that in the T20 format and create an environment where the batters come in and just enjoy playing cricket for Australia."
Following Aaron Finch's retirement, the Australian team has been without a T20 captain, making the series against the Proteas an ideal chance for Marsh to showcase his leadership abilities.
Marsh expressed his hope that during the World Cup in India, Cummins would rely on him for support. "I think that's one of Pat's strengths, he leans on other people in the squad and other leaders in our team – he does an incredible job," Marsh shared. The pacer emphasised their close relationship, both personally and professionally.
The 18-man squad for the ODI leg in South Africa will feature the likes of spinner Tanveer Sangha and left-arm quick Spencer Johnson. Marsh expressed enthusiasm for the young talents, especially mentioning Johnson. Referring to the 27-year-old, Marsh remarked, "We haven't seen much of him, have we? He's had a few injuries throughout his career and he's sort of burst onto the scene last year."
Johnson's impressive performance, which saw him pick up 16 Sheffield Shield wickets in just three games for South Australia last season, did not go unnoticed. Reflecting on Johnson's talents, Marsh said, "He burst onto the scene (in the Big Bash) last year and I was commentating a game and he was bowling 150km/h and swinging it both ways. He's an incredible talent. I faced him in the ODI final at the WACA and was blown away by his pace and skill. I think he's going to feel right at home in international cricket."
Furthermore, Marsh is optimistic about 21-year-old Sangha's prospects. He acknowledged Sangha's recent injuries but remained confident in his abilities. Marsh stated, "Tanveer's had a few injury problems the last six months but we know what a superb talent he is. There's no doubt we are going to see them in Australian colours over the next few years and we'll get a look at them in South Africa."
Marsh praised Sangha, observing, "Think he is a very smart young bowler. From what I've heard he's a very good cricketer, just bowls and bowls. A super talent." He's excited to see the young bowler get his opportunity, concluding, "What we've seen in the Big Bash and first-class cricket so far, some kids you know will just be very good bowlers. And he's one of those. Can't wait to see him get his chance."
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