"I’m good to go" - Mitchell Marsh confirms availability for 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test amid injury rumors
Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has stated that he has recovered from his niggle ahead of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against India, scheduled to begin from December 6 onwards at the Adelaide Oval. He was reportedly in doubt for the upcoming clash after the hosts' demoralizing 295-run defeat in the series opener in Perth.
Australia had roped in the in-form domestic candidate Beau Webster as cover if Marsh was not fit enough to take the field. There has been pressure on Marsh to deliver as a bowler in Cameron Green's absence. As a result, his presence is pivotal for the balance of the side and the workload of an aging core bowling group.
Ahead of the second Test, Marsh had an interaction with News Nine, where he confirmed that he is fit and available.
“The body’s all good, yep. I’m good to go," Marsh said.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald had hinted that the team will be assessing Marsh's condition during the lengthy 10-day gap in place between the first and the second Test of the series.
"We knew that Mitch [Marsh] was slightly underdone coming in but I thought the performance in the first innings was satisfactory," McDonald said after the first Test (via ESPN Cricinfo).
Australia have already lost Josh Hazlewood's services for the second Test due to a side strain. Fellow pacer Scott Boland is primed to join Starc and Cummins in the bowling attack.
Mitchell Marsh bowled 17 overs in the Perth Test
Cameron Green's absence, coupled with the Indian batters' marathon outing in the second innings, meant that Marsh had to step up with the ball. He bowled 17 overs in total, his biggest shift in international cricket since the 2019 Ashes finale at The Oval.
He took three wickets in total, including centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second innings.
His presence would prove to be vital for Australia in the pink ball Test as an all-rounder. His counter-attacking ability makes him a threat at any stage of the innings while his short bursts relieve the other pacers in the side.