Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh backed fellow teammate Glenn Maxwell to play a crucial role for the side in the much-awaited ICC Cricket World Cup in India commencing on October 5. The five-time champions will kickstart their World Cup campaign against the hosts on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Marsh was full of praise for Maxwell after the latter starred in Australia’s win over India in the third and final ODI in Rajkot. He asserted that Maxwell produced an outstanding spell, and that too after a brief pause. Maxwell finished with excellent figures of 4/40 as Australia registered a comfortable 66-run win, thereby, denying India a series whitewash.
“It was a great spell. He came back after having not played much cricket for the last (few) months. It was great to see him back. It is the energy that Maxi brings to the team, his presence, and the balance that he gives us,” Marsh said during the press conference.
The 31-year-old continued by saying although Maxwell‘s batting is undeniably brilliant, what he can do with the ball and the alternatives he will give the team with their all-rounders are crucial for them heading into the marquee event.
“We obviously know that his batting is absolutely class but what he can do with the ball, and the options that he will give us with our all-rounders is vital for us going into the World Cup,” he added.
Speaking on Maxwell’s role in the World Cup, Marsh noted that there might be wickets where he serves as the third spinner through this tournament.
“There may be wickets where he’s the third spinner through this World Cup. But just the ability for us to play the three quicks, a spinner, and have Maxi who has the ability on the right wicket to bowl ten overs, think you see a lot of teams around the world have guys like Maxi; it gives you a lot of flexibility with the teams you can pick or the way you can structure your batting line-up,” Marsh concluded.