"It brings out the best in our guys" - Mitchell Marsh backs Australia to bounce back against India after shocking loss to Afghanistan in T20 WC 2024
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh remains optimistic about his team's chances in the upcoming crucial Super-Eights T20 World Cup game against India on Monday, June 24. Australia were dealt a blow by Afghanistan, who are now in contention for a semifinal spot as well.
The 2021 T20 World Cup winners' campaign hangs by a thread after losing to Afghanistan by 21 runs, their first defeat against the Asian team across formats. Australia must now beat India to qualify for the semifinals or they run the risk of getting eliminated.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Marsh asserted that Australia were a better team than they showcased on Sunday against Afghanistan. He said, as quoted by cricket.com.au:
"First things first. We have a lot of belief in our group. We are a very good cricket team. Yes, tonight we had an off night but I guess there's also a positive in the fact that in 36 hours we go again. It's a big game, it will be against India obviously and it's a must-win game. I think if you look back at the short history of this team, I know for a fact that it brings out the best in our guys, so the boys will certainly be up and about for it."
India have been unbeaten so far in the showpiece event, and have delivered collectively. The Men in Blue had beaten Australia the last time the two teams met in a T20 World Cup match, in the 2016 version by six wickets.
"Starcy's unlucky in a sense" - Mitchell Marsh defends Ashton Agar's inclusion
With Ashton Agar making fielding lapses but bowling well, Marsh defended his inclusion over Mitchell Starc. The 32-year-old explained that the conditions warranted Agar's inclusion and Starc was unlucky to miss out.
"Any time you make a decision like that, Starcy's unlucky in a sense. But we've said right from the start of the tournament that we've got 15 guys here and we'll pick a team that we think can win us the game in those certain conditions. Everything pointed towards Ash tonight and I thought he did a brilliant job. Four overs, one for (17). He was outstanding. The reality is when you've got this much talent, someone's always unlucky to miss out," Marsh said via the aforementioned source.
Starc is likely to come back into the side against Team India.