OTD | Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was born today in 1991

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is celebrating his 32nd birthday today. Over the years he has become one of the most important players of the Kangaroo setup. Australia would be relying heavily on Marsh in the ongoing World Cup as they are in pursuit of their 6th World Cup title.

Mitchell Marsh was always a very exciting prospect for Australian Cricket but the talented all-rounder could not cement his place in the Aussie setup for a long time. Mitchell Marsh emerged on the scene in the age category cricket. His performances made sure that he was entrusted with the captaincy in the 2010 U-19 World Cup in New Zealand. Marsh did wonders for Australia in the tournament as he led his side to World Cup glory. His individual performance was also noticeable. With the bat, he scored 201 runs in 6 innings at an average of 33.50. He played a remarkable innings of 97 against Sri Lanka in the all-important Semi-final. 

His U-19 World Cup performance earned him the national call-up in 2011. He was picked for the T20 and ODI series against South Africa. Marsh made his debut in the second T20 international where he played an impressive knock of 36 runs. He got his break in the longest format of the game in the away series against Pakistan in 2014. The all-rounder found his place in the squad for the 2015 ODI World Cup in Australia. He did not get many opportunities but contributed with a 5-wicket haul against England. 

He was appointed as the Vice Captain in 2018 after the sandpaper gate that rocked Australian Cricket. But his inconsistency proved disastrous for him as he was dropped from all formats of the game very soon.

Mitchell Marsh made his comeback in the shortest format of the game in 2020 and eventually made his place in the 2021 T20 World Cup squad as well. He proved his mettle by contributing on crucial occasions in that tournament. His match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand helped Australia lift their first title in the shortest format of the game. His consistent show in the T20 format made sure that he found his place in the ODI and Test teams as well. 

His new role as an opener in the limited-overs format has suited him a lot. The team management has given him the freedom to operate in the initial phase of the innings and the all-rounder has taken full advantage of it. His role with the ball has also come in handy for his team. Mitchell Marsh has finally realized his potential and cemented his place in the side. The Australian team would be expecting Marsh to continue this run of form and contribute to the ongoing ODI World Cup campaign as well.