Mitch Marsh backs Tim Paine to continue as Australia Test captain

Marsh refused to become Australia's version of Ben Stokes.

Paine became the first Australian captain to win the Ashes Urn in England after two decades | Getty Images

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has backed Tim Paine to continue to lead Australia in the longest format of the game despite questions on his form and poor decision-making during Ashes 2019.

There were questions on Paine’s role in the side after making a series of incorrect decisions in Australia’s victorious Ashes campaign and terrible show with the bat in England, but Marsh believes that Paine is a great man and a very good leader.

The 34-year-old recently made history, became the first Australian captain to win the Ashes Urn in England after 20 years but his average of just 20 during the Ashes was not really good for him at all.

As per reports in 7News, Marsh said, “Well, he's the first captain to bring the Ashes home after 20 years, so I think he's doing a pretty good job. We love Painey. He's a great man, and he's a very good leader. He cost me a wicket with the DRS, but I'll let him slide for that one.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s Ashes squad will be rested for the start of the domestic One Day Cup, but Marsh decided to return for Perth on Wednesday, and he is keen to make an impact in the tournament.

Being out of Australian folds across the formats since last summer, Marsh is now aiming to cement his place on the national side again after managed to play the only Test in the Ashes 2019 at The Oval.

However, the fast bowler made it clear that he doesn’t want to be Australia's version of Ben Stokes, saying he just wants to get better with every outing on the field and become the best cricketer. He continued, “I want to be Mitch Marsh, I don't want to be anyone else. It's the same old story: I'm trying to become the best cricketer I can be every day, to get better every day, and hopefully, I can perform for WA to make sure I play more games for Australia in the future.”

Marsh signed off by saying, “Dealing with certain pressures in Test match cricket - I can certainly get better at that. I think my technique has tightened up as a batsman. Now it's about turning my starts into big scores. I've got myself a lot fitter over the past six months, to the point where I feel really good with the ball in my hand and I can be a real threat with that.”

(With 7News Inputs)

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 18 Sep, 2019

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