“Show us what you’ve got”

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is having a forgettable series so far. Marsh has struggled for runs and has hardly contributed with the ball as well. His limited performances have put his place in a quandary for the fifth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Former Australian cricketers Mark Waugh and Justin Langer spoke about Marsh’s recent form and had different views on his Sydney Test participation. Waugh called for Marsh to be dropped in favor of another fast bowler Beau Webster.

Webster was in Australia’s starting squad for the Boxing Day Test but was released to play in the Big Bash League. On the other hand, Langer wants Marsh to play in Sydney as he is against too many changes in the Test team.

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Mark Waugh reminds selectors Beau Webster

During a discussion on Fox Cricket, Mark Waugh spoke about Mitchell Marsh’s form and raised questions about his place in Australia’s Test team. he reminded the selectors of Beau Webster, who is capable of playing as a fast bowler.

“There will be (a debate), according to the conditions and the balance of the team. Beau Webster is in the team, (Marsh has scored) no runs in this game,” Waugh said.

The former Australian cricketer also suggested the batting line-up that the wicketkeeper could move up the order and Beau Webster could strike with more overs with the ball than Mitchell Marsh.

“In theory, you could bat Alex Carey at six, have Beau Webster at seven, that could be an option as well. (Beau Webster) is an all-round batsman, but he’ll do more spin, he can also bowl off spin and seam.

“That will be a point of discussion depending on what happens in the next two days here, Mitchell Starc’s fitness for example,” he added.

Justin Langer backs Mitchell Marsh for Sydney Test

Meanwhile, former Australia head coach Justin Langer remains in favor of playing Mitchell Marsh despite his poor form. Langer wants Marsh to play freely and is not in favor of too many changes to the Test team.

“Yeah, I’d pick him in Sydney. He said when he won the AB (Allan Border) medal last year, his words were, I’m a bit fat and I like a beer. That’s how I want to look’ l play cricket with a smile on his face,” Langer told Channel 7.

“I don’t like cutting and changing test teams. In this case, it will be another change to the test team. I don’t think it’s positive. I think he should play in Sydney,” he added.

“If I was Pat Cummins, his teammate and his captain, if I was the head coach or the selectors, I’d say, ‘Mitch, it’s a big game for us. Go in with your mates. Play with that carefree attitude and show us what you’ve got,’” he exclaimed.

Mitchell Marsh’s numbers in BGT 2024-25

Mitchell Marsh has scored 73 runs in seven Test innings so far at an average of just 10.42. He has been unable to stay at the crease for long and has not found it easy against Jasprit Bumrah and the other Indian bowlers.

Marsh scored 4 and 0 in both innings of the test match. With the ball, the all-rounder has picked up three wickets in the series at an average of 45.66. All these wickets came in the first Test at Perth. Since then, he has bowled just 13 overs without a wicket to his name.