Test allrounder Mitch Marsh has apologised for his moment of madness that saw him punch a wall in frustration, vowing never to do it again.
Marsh will miss four to six weeks after scans confirmed he broke his right hand when he punched a wall after getting dismissed against Tasmania on Sunday.
The injury means Marsh will miss the start of the Test summer, and there’s no guarantees he will win back his spot when he recovers.
The 27-year-old says he had never punched a wall before Sunday’s incident, and has vowed to learn from his mistake.
“It certainly will be an isolated incident, that’s for sure, and it won’t be happening again,” Marsh said.
“It’s a good lesson for me, hopefully it’s a good lesson for other people as well.
“At the end of the day it’s a game of cricket. Sometimes you get beaten, sometimes you get out, and you can’t be punching walls.
“As a captain, I’ve done a lot of work in setting a good example on and off the field over the last 18 months since I took over.
“This is a small hiccup for me. I said I was disappointed in myself and it won’t happen again, and it’s not an example I want to be setting not only for my teammates, but for everyone here at the WACA and everyone else in cricket.”
Marsh was wearing a glove when he punched the wall, and he knew straight away that he had suffered serious damage.
“It’s my middle finger, just below the wrist there – a fracture straight through the bone,” said Marsh, who was sporting a big cast when he fronted the media on Tuesday.
As for the message from Australia coach Justin Langer?
“He just told me I’m an idiot basically. He was disappointed for me,” Marsh said.
The WA skipper apologised to his teammates after the incident.
“It’s pretty uncharacteristic of me to want to punch a wall. I’m a pretty easygoing sort of bloke,” Marsh said.
“I’m just disappointed really – gutted.
“Just the feeling of letting your teammates down and not being able to be a part of the journey for the next four to six weeks, that was the point I wanted to stress to the lads, that I was really sorry and it’s not an example I wanted to be setting.
“They got around me. They still love me, so it’s all good.”
Marsh said the timing of his injury was interesting given his recent conversations with teammates.
“I was saying to someone last week that I’ve never broken a bone in my life,” Marsh said.
“We’ve had so many broken fingers in the last few months, and Shaun (Marsh) broke his wrist, so it came up in conversation.
“So that’s another injury ticked off the list I guess.”
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
When only the best will do!!!
Jeff
Roar Rookie
I knew you were obnoxious, Rowdy. But had no idea you were also a crow-eater. :happy:
badmanners
Roar Rookie
Joe Burns scored 180 in his last match. You never can tell!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Time to move past Starc. He's a short form specialist. He can't take a wicket with the new ball. Australia should be picking players who make impact with the new ball. Surely Jhye Richardson & Michael Neser are better options than Starc?
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I'd pick Mitch in front of Mitch Starc as a bowler. But not as an All-rounder.
Matt Ellis
Roar Rookie
Don't see Wade playing despite his 117 in the 5th test. With only 4 scores above 30 in the Ashes that is not good enough particularly when he didn't pass 10 on 4 occasions
Matt Ellis
Roar Rookie
Would of definitely played the 1st test, can't see an all rounder being dropped with match figures of 7/86
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Reading through the comments its surprising to see that theres some positive comments for marsh, when I selected him pre the oval test there most we're scathing of him. Im weary on his Australian form with kookaburra ball but he was showing a small stretch of consistency. He was the right pick with dukes ball at oval where he had good form in england in london matches previously with ball in particular. He claims second prize of idiot of the Australian team after Warner . I don't think he would have been selected for first test as we don't need an extra bowler at brisbane as compared to a match in london under different conditions. He may have come in to contention in Adelaide in DN with dew on the ball and swing/medium to fast pace coming in to it
Pierro
Roar Rookie
I second Jhye Richardson as well. He's been outstanding before his injury and a great opening shield game also great for him to get experience now . He certainly demonstrated good credentials at the WACA last week , better than Starcs at Gabba
Brasstax
Guest
Words cannot do service to the gigantic service that wall has provided to Australian men's test cricket.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Shaun Marsh is relevant to the conversation, how?
Jeff
Roar Rookie
It's a conspiracy Rob / Ray Scist! Typically it's hatched 2-3 years out before social media comments, then they let loose on the unsuspecting public (other than social media commentators) and hey presto, they sneak back in under the radar without anyone noticing. It's the timing of their injuries to marry with their form/performances that impresses me most. The coordination with the National and State teams management, plus associated medical and sports scientist personnel is breathtaking. Well spotted and well commented on.
badmanners
Roar Rookie
Starc is Australian. He never played under Vaughan or Atherton.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
If it was tampering, it was the universally accepted tampering (you know, the England, India, S Africa, Pakistan type) because the Warner-instigated tampering attempt by Bancroft was a cut (ha ha) below the Keystone Kops. Ad hoc at best and not even at proto-type level development
Rob
Guest
Funny how much of Shaun and Mitchell careers have been plagued injuries. These injuries frequently happen during periods of poor form and when pressure to hold their position is under question on numerous occasions. Then suddenly they reappear in the National scene only for the selectors to say they were always in the team if they hadn’t been injured?
Dillon
Roar Rookie
I agree, Starc's form has certainly gone down a lot over the last year or so. He did have a great World Cup, but white-ball form isn't very relevant here. I hope he can regain his form in the last few Shield matches before the Test series vs Pakistan.
Dillon
Roar Rookie
Yes, along with the opener's position, Starc's place in the team seems the most uncertain at the moment.
badmanners
Roar Rookie
Yeah, but he was good.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
As long as he middled it, I'm ok. Not sure he did though!
Paul
Roar Guru
shows poor judgement if he can't thump something without damaging himself!! Just kidding.