“That is certainly my mentality” - Mitchell Marsh reveals his plans for Jasprit Bumrah ahead of BGT 2023-25 3rd Test
Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has opened up on his mentality to tackle Jasprit Bumrah in the remainder of the Test series against India. He suggested it's best to pick one's spots and attack Bumrah, given batters eventually stand a chance of getting dismissed.
Bumrah has arguably been the most penetrative of all India's bowlers in the first two Tests, claiming 12 wickets in total. The 31-year-old ran through the hosts' batting unit in the opening Test in Perth, claiming eight wickets to script a 295-run victory for India. He finished with four in the first innings in Adelaide but India lost.
Marsh, yet to be dismissed by Bumrah in the series, told reporters ahead of the third Test that it's up to the individuals to apply their method and negate him. He was quoted as saying by Perth Now:
"I think when you have the best bowler in the world and you are just trying to see him off he is going to have one with your name on it. I think it is about applying pressure with your own method and taking the challenge on. We know right now he's probably the best bowler in the world. It's just about getting up for that challenge. It's a big series. You want to take the best in the world on. That is certainly my mentality. (I) look forward to facing him again."
Marsh batted well in the second innings in Perth for his 47 to salvage a respectable total for Australia. However, he got out cheaply in the two innings in Adelaide.
"I have had a really clear method over the last 18 months" - Mitchell Marsh
With Marsh realizing that Australia are up against one of the best bowling attacks in the world, he opined that moving the game forward is critical.
"Everyone has their own plans and we all bat differently so (it's about) the situation in the game. Sometimes you have to get through a spell and sometimes it is time to attack. We have guys in our batting lineup who just play differently," he told reporters.
"Getting through your own way and moving the game forward is really important when you are facing one of the best attacks in the world. I think I have had a really clear method over the last 18 months with the way I have gone about it. That will continue," Marsh added.
Australia have lost two out of the last five Tests at the Gabba.