Mitchell Marsh eyes Pakistan challenge with relish on Optus Stadium’s thrilling surface

• Mitchell Marsh is unsure of his position in Australia’s Test team.
• Marsh played well in Australia’s World Cup victory.
• Marsh is excited about the prospect of playing at Optus Stadium.

The current all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has stated that he is unsure of his position in Test matches, but if selected for Australia’s first home Test against Pakistan in Perth, he will continue to bat aggressively.

At 32, Marsh contributed significantly to Australia’s winning World Cup campaign with 441 runs, including two centuries, most notably an undefeated 177. During the Ashes series, he had regained his Test place and quickly reached a century at Headingley by taking advantage of an injury to fellow West Australian Cameron Green.

He was included in the fifth Test against Green, who went on to play just three matches in the World Cup. Green’s limited performances in the World Cup seemed to be a result of his year-long abroad obligations.

Green, 24, has, nevertheless, demonstrated his will to reclaim his Test place by taking part in Western Australia’s current Sheffield Shield match at the Gabba against Queensland. In addition, he hopes to play in the Prime Minister’s XI four-day match against Pakistan in Canberra the following week.

In contrast to Green, Marsh is now having a rest before to the commencement of the first Test on December 14. Australia’s primary selection conundrum appears to be the battle of the all-rounders, but Marsh is taking the initiative in line with his aggressive batting approach.

“I’m past battling, I’m here to enjoy my cricket and have fun,” Marsh told reporters in Perth. “I absolutely love playing for Australia. I worked really hard to get another opportunity during the Ashes and my attitude is ‘what will be, will be’, so I’ve done everything I can.”

“We have a lot of options. Whoever plays will do the job.”

Marsh sought to compete with Green in the race for the number six spot, just as they had done in the fourth Ashes Test when Australia went into the match unexpectedly without a designated spinner and Green batted at number seven.

“He’s a special talent. We’ve got a great relationship. We’re super close on and off the field,” Marsh said of Green. “I always joke that there’s probably not a lot I can teach him on the cricket field, but he knows I’m always there for him and hopefully we can play a lot of cricket together.”

If chosen, Marsh was excited by the prospect of taking on Pakistan’s fast bowlers on Optus Stadium’s expectedly exciting surface. After being built across the Swan River from the WACA, the 60,000-seat stadium will host its fourth Test match on Saturday. Even though Marsh has had some outstanding BBL games for the Perth Scorchers, this will be his first time playing on this field.

“The way I’m going to bat won’t change. I feel like I’ve found my most consistent method over the last couple of years and that’s allowed me to really enjoy my cricket,” he said. “I haven’t played a [Test] match here at Perth Stadium, so obviously, if I’m selected, I’m super excited for that.”

All eyes will be on the field that held still during the previous game last summer, which Australia won over the West Indies in a five-day encounter.

After being ready at Optus Stadium since February, the drop-in pitch was just moved onto the stadium’s field. It mimics the WACA ground’s well-known bounce and speed by using the same native clay and grass varieties.

“I often say this is the best wicket in the world, I truly mean that,” Marsh said. “It’s fast, it’s bouncy, it brings both batters and bowlers into the game. That’s what you want, an even contest. It’s a great place to play.”

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