Mitchell Marsh’s flaws as a Test batsman were glaring during his first six stints in the Test team. In the past fortnight, however, we have seen two innings from the all-rounder which are vastly different and greatly impressive.
Marsh’s stonewalling effort of 29 not out from 166 balls yesterday, played against the grain of his aggressive nature, was almost as surprising as his commanding 181 in his Test return at Perth.
The 26-year-old has played some scintillating knocks in ODI cricket over his brief career – 102 not out from 84 balls against India, 86 not out from 52 balls against South Africa, 76 not out from 40 balls against New Zealand and 64 from 31 balls against England.
It seemed to me like a matter of time before Marsh would encounter a struggling Test attack on a road of a pitch and hammer a sprightly ton. Admittedly the size and quality of his hundred in the third Test caught me entirely off guard.
But I had seen him play dominant innings before across all formats, whereas despite being a Western Australia fan who has watched Marsh closely since he was 17 years old, yesterday’s knock was something new – and not just new to my eyes but new to Marsh himself. Across his 130 first-class innings, never before had Marsh batted for at least 100 balls while scoring at a strike rate of 30 or lower.
(Philip Brown/Getty Images)
Quite frankly, Marsh had neither the temperament nor the organised defence required to graft in this manner. Even as he sprinted to 181 from just 236 balls in Perth there were signs of improved patience. Once he got well set on that belter of a WACA pitch Marsh must have been tempted to tee off and start launching sixes. I kept waiting for this moment, yet it never came.
Recognising he was already scoring at a very brisk rate with minimal risk, Marsh kept his head. It was an innings as mature as it was destructive. Then yesterday Marsh batted in a manner which could scarcely have been more different. From the start of his innings it was clear that batting time was his priority. Runs were only a bonus.
Batting at the other end, his skipper, Steve Smith, must have been delighted with Marsh’s circumspection. Smith has made it clear he prefers to have a fifth bowling option in his team. Marsh has looked rusty with the ball, as is to be expected given his lack of bowling this year, but on the evidence so far he has made enormous improvements in his batting.
As I wrote for The Roar recently, Marsh returned to Tests with a tighter defensive technique and looser, less robotic movements. Of course Marsh’s true challenge is coming up in March and April when Australia play four Tests in South Africa against a phenomenal Proteas attack.
That series will give us a much clearer picture of just how much Marsh has developed as a long-form batsman. There is no such doubt about Smith’s standing as a Test cricketer. His century hoarding has become almost monotonous.
(Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
His 102 not out at the MCG lifted his series haul to an astonishing 604 runs at an average of 151. Smith finishes 2017 as easily the world’s leading Test runscorer, with 1305 runs at 77, including six tons from 11 matches. His career average is now a jaw-dropping 63.55.
All it will take for him to lift that average to 65 is for Smith to score 136 not out in the first innings of the fifth Test. Right now such a task would appear elementary for the Australian. His ability to adapt to a match situation is unparalleled in world cricket. When required, Smith is well capable of scoring quickly, as evidenced by his career strike rate of 56, yet he’s equally at ease sapping the will of the opposition by batting with bloody-minded caution.
This latter approach is the one Smith favoured in the second innings of this Test. He decided England would not win the Test, and so it was as he batted for almost eight hours. Smith’s batting truly is otherworldly – his patience is saintly and his talent is godly.
What’s even more remarkable is that at 28 years old Smith has only just entered what have been the peak years for many great Test batsmen – ages 28 to 32. It’s entirely possible he will be better in 2018 and then go to another level yet again the following year.
Australia can only hope that Mitch Marsh too can follow such a pleasing trajectory. Having invested so much time in his development, they are finally reaping some rewards.
Graeme
Guest
A cheap and wasted shot mate. You should save it for the next time Shaun and Mitch actually fail and pounce then, by then you can really go to town. You forgot to mention both Marshes have been pivotal in winning the Ashes or M Marsh's 166 balls he survived including the new ball in the draw. He also survived a new ball when he made possibly by your standards a sub par 181 at the WACA.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
Probably as much influence as Smith had on Maxwell when he scored 104 in India. Smith remained 178* that innings. His impact on batting partners should not be overlooked.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Cheers Brasstax!
Mick_Lions
Roar Pro
MMarsh has played 2 great knocks, both vastly different yet exactly what was required. QUESTION: How much influence has his one and only batting partner during these innings had on his performance? Sure his technique has improved but his attitude may well be a direct result of his captain being down the other end and leading by example. 341 runs of example.
TheCunningLinguistic
Guest
He survived when quite a few others didn't. Credit where it's due, anon. The point many are making is that the MM of old could never have played such an innings. While keeping enthusiasm in check, let's celebrate a growth victory and hope he can sustain it.
Simoc
Guest
M Marsh is playing off the back foot and in fact that was his initial movement at the MCG. I haven't seen him do that before.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Nice. I like that.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
I think that India's fast bowling stocks are just that,stock standard. Ashwin did well two years ago in SA,so he may be the key,but SA 2 years ago were weaker. Maybe three high-scoring draws? 2-0 South Africa,by some margin
DavSA
Guest
He looks fail safe right now Brasstax . The form batsman in world cricket without doubt . One advantage India does have in SA which others don't is tremendous support from SA crowds . Our large Indian population will be split down the middle with many throwing their weight behind India . A match in Durban would feel more like a home game for them than it would for the Proteas.
anon
Roar Pro
Wow he survived to make 30 odds runs on a slow, flat pitch. He did what he was supposed to do which was survive. Didn't even try to push for singles or anything. I think people just have such low expectations for the Marsh bros that everytime they don't mess up people are impressed.
DavSA
Guest
First test is at Newlands . India will have there best chance there . Then I am afraid its going to be very challenging for them.
Brasstax
Guest
Brave call Ronan. I see you are not pulling any punches as usual and that is good as I hate fence sitters. However I feel that your call is largely based on the mentality of previous Indian teams/captains when touring such places. Yes I do agree that SA are likely to win the series, but the margin could either be 2-1 or 1-0 with 2 tests drawn. Also I firmly believe that if the Indian slip cordon holds on to its catches, the Indians have a 40% chance of winning the series. At present their slip catching is atrocious. Should be fascinating either way. Happy New Year Ronan and looking forward to more such articles from you.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
I think SA will easily beat India 3-0
Brasstax
Guest
I think India might surprise SA here. They drew 1-1 there in 2011 against a SA team that had Graeme Smith and Kallis. They were a young side that toured in 2014 and did quite well with the first test ending in a thrilling draw. They lost 1-0 but that was a game where they dominated in the first innings and lost because of a batting collapse in the second innings. This team is vastly more experienced with the likes of Kohli, Pujara, Vijay and Rahane having played 40-50 test matches and the fast bowling stock is better. I realize that at home SA is still favorite as most teams are at home, but if anyone here thinks that the Indians are going to be rolled over 3-0 or even 2-0 then they might be proven wrongn. Kohli is a different breed of Indian captian unlike any of the others before him.
TheCunningLinguistic
Guest
Both exceptional innings, each epic in its own way. As a visual spectacle, I have to say the 181 was somewhat more entertaining, but the stonewalling effort was certainly very impressive as well. A very happy New Year to you all!
Brasstax
Guest
Granted... but India played and won a test match each against England and South Africa at home without Kohli not playing. Also when we toured India last year, Kohli hardly troubled the scoreboard and did not even feature in the fourth and deciding test and India won that. And that test was played on a bouncy and seaming wicket not unlike the ones they will encounter in SA. Can we currently win a test match at home without Steve Smith or win a series against top ranked teams where Smith doesn't score at all? (Duh... like Smith is ever going to have a lean patch)
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
I hope you're right about the pitches DavSA, it would be great to see two amazing bowling attacks let loose on bowler-friendly pitches.
DavSA
Guest
The pitches I am certain will be ordered to suit the SA quicks. Anything else will surprise me. SA may have an embarrassment of riches in the batting dept but a bowling line up of Steyn , Morkel , Rabada , Philander and Maharaj looks pretty intimidating. They certainly have the edge on India here especially on pacy wickets.
Tanmoy Kar
Guest
Now Mitchell Marsh has proved that he is a good batsman, capable of playing at No.6. His medium-paced bowling will be an added feature particularly in the South African tour. He has now cemented his position in the playing XI for sure,not a good news for Maxwell fans.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
The South Africans that have stepped up in the absence of ABdV, Elgar particularly, have feasted on Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at home.That has to shed some light on relative performances.Equally,on pitches tailored to their batsmen,India has flourished against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The upcoming India/South Africa series will be fascinating.Do the hosts prepare to the strength of their great batting ,(don't mention the England tour),down to QdK and let Pujara and Kohli make runs too, or do they ready pitches that Philander,Morkel,Steyn and Rabada will wreak havoc on? I believe it really will be game on when the Aussies tour SA.No easy runs or wickets for the Saffas or for the Aussies