Accidental hero: How shift up the order has reinvented Mitch Marsh

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When it comes to muscling a cricket ball, there are few better power hitters in white-ball cricket than Mitch Marsh. Somewhat lost as a lower-order slugger late in 2022, Marsh has become a dominant force since he was promoted – by chance – to the top order in March.

And the results are telling.

Through 18 one-day internationals this year either opening the batting or at No.3, beginning in the three-match series in India in March, Marsh has crunched 843 runs at an average of 52.68 and a brutal strike rate of 115.16. That two of his three career ODI centuries, including an unbeaten 177 in an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh on Saturday, and five half-centuries have come in this period has reinforced the change of mindset for the 32-year-old.

Mitch Marsh has shown his power at the top of the order.Credit: Getty

This compares to his overall career average of 36.90 and strike rate of 96.37 in 87 matches.

While the national selectors should be praised for their role in Marsh’s uprising, had it not been for an injury and concussion to David Warner through the Indian Test tour in March, an absence that continued through the opening two white-ball matches, Marsh may have found himself a bits and pieces all-rounder, much as Marcus Stoinis is heading into Thursday’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Kolkata.

Instead, Marsh top-scored for Australia in each of the three-match series in March and was named player of the series after smacking 194 runs at 97 (12 sixes). His 81 off 65 balls in the series opener in Wankhede was particularly special, for it wasn’t just power that was required. A classical technique and street smarts on a seaming deck allowed him to prosper, while the next best Australian score was 26.

When Warner returned for game three, the selectors retained faith in Marsh, with Warner used for the first time ever at No.4.

Power game

The chance to begin an innings in the opening power play with only two men outside the inner circle has given the man nicknamed “the Bison” even greater impetus, and rival captains extended grief.

“Definitely in the top three, top four when it comes to power,” India captain Rohit Sharma said of Marsh.

“You saw, he could just stand and deliver and play the shots. He backs himself to do that.”

Once Marsh pierces the infield on the subcontinent, the lightning fast outfields mean it’s effectively a boundary. Marsh has lapped this up, not to mention his penchant for going aerial, where his full power game is shown. This year alone he has thumped 42 sixes – almost half of his career total.

Under coach-selector Andrew McDonald, the Australians have been given a licence to back their individual games, playing to their strengths, even if that, in theory, increases the risk of failure.

McDonald has always been that way inclined, as he was during his time as coach of Victoria. For players such as Marsh, it allows freedom to play true to themselves in the more relaxed manner they crave.

“My whole game’s been based around being brave and trusting that I’m good enough to do what I do, and if I get out doing it that way then so be it,” Marsh said.

“I guess that’s been our team philosophy, that’s what made us a really good team over the last two years. So I’m grateful to have the backing of everyone in our whole squad.”

That philosophy was needed in South Africa in September when Marsh, captaining the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, made 17, 0, 29 and 6 as an opener through the opening four games at No.3, before a switch to the opening role when Travis Head had his left hand broken at Centurion.

Staking a claim

Marsh began the World Cup as an opener but was shifted to No.3 against New Zealand when Head returned. Marsh lacked authority in that match, managing a lethargic 36 off 51 deliveries. This came amid Steve Smith’s stated preference to bat at No.3, his customary position, turning the spotlight on Marsh, and potentially putting pressure on the selectors.

That debate intensified when Marsh missed the game against England to fly home to be with his grandfather Ross, who died this month. Smith made 44 at No.3.

But the selectors again retained faith when Marsh returned in time to face – and destroy – Bangladesh in Pune on Saturday with 11 boundaries and five sixes.

There is little chance Marsh will be displaced from the Australian team in the near future, particularly as he remains a potential captain of the side, should Cummins step aside.

Marsh is a much-loved figure in the Australian dressingroom, the all-rounder’s self-deprecating humour on show post match.

“I started negative 50 after my bowling, so I had to get a few back,” Marsh said, sparking laughter from the room of reporters having been on the receiving end of punishment with 0-48 off four overs.

Former Australian captain and Nine commentator Mark Taylor said Marsh needed to maintain his aggressive mindset.

“He’s that hitter of the ball, he’s not a manoeuvrer of the ball, he’s not like Steve Smith or Marnus Labuschagne who tend to use their wrists a lot more,” Taylor said.

“Mitch Marsh is a hitter and I like it when he goes after the bowling.”

The message is clear – watch out Proteas.

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