SA vs AUS 2018: Darren Lehmann hopeful of Mitch Marsh's return in Cape Town Test

Mitchell Marsh was fined 20 percent of his match fee.

Darren Lehmann and Mitchell Marsh  | Getty Images

Australian head coach –Darren Lehmann is confident that his star all-rounder –Mitchell Marsh will prove his fitness ahead of the must-win third Test of the four-match series in South Africa.

The 26-year-old fast bowler has picked up a groin strain along with a gastro bug during the third Test in Port Elizabeth, which was won by the hosts to level the series 1-1. 

Despite sustained a slight groin strain; the all-rounder was on the field rather than undergoing rehabilitation treatment on Monday.

A 10-day break before the third Test will get underway in Cape Town on Thursday (22 March) means  Marsh has enough time to recover in time to pass the fitness test.

Lehmann further said that whether the backup all-rounder should be included to the 15-member squad or not will be decided after monitoring Marsh’s fitness and evaluating pitch condition at Newlands.

According to a report in Cricket Australia’s official website, Lehmann said of Mitchell Marsh, “(We are) reasonably confident, but we'll see over the next couple of days. Medical staff will have a look at him and assess him, and then make a call from there. We're hopeful for the next Test.”

Commenting on Marsh's importance to Australian Team balance and output, the Australian Coach said, “He's close to (having) made our most runs. We haven't had a lot of runs in the series so far, but he's looking as good as anyone at the moment. (With the) ball he was important for us with those couple wickets late on day two (at Port Elizabeth).”

Besides injury, the all-rounder has fined 20 percent of his match fee and given one demerit point by ICC for swearing at Kagiso Rabada after the Proteas pace spearhead dismissed him on Monday.

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 13 Mar, 2018

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