World Cup hero Mitch Marsh has revealed how a “change in mindset”, coupled with relentless hard graft, laid the foundations for his crowning moment on Monday morning (AEDT).
After claiming man of the match honours in the T20 final against New Zealand, slamming an unbeaten 77 from 50 balls as the lynchpin of Australia’s run-chase in Dubai, Marsh’s immediate focus was celebrating at a rooftop bar rather than his chances of Ashes selection.
Whether or not he earns a Test recall for the series starting at the Gabba on December 8, the much-maligned all-rounder is hopeful that “Australians are proud of me and proud of this amazing cricket team” following their efforts in the UAE.
The ultimate glory capped off a sensational period in the shortest format for Marsh, who was the leading run-scorer in T20 series against the West Indies and Bangladesh in July and August as he made the most of batting at first-drop.
However, the 31-year-old said it was a tour of New Zealand near the start of the year that set him on a path to domination in the final – evidenced by a first-ball six off Adam Milne that gave Australia the momentum to cruise to 2/173 after 18.5 overs.
“There has been a change in mindset, that’s for sure,” Marsh said.
“[Australian assistant coach] Andrew McDonald, I remember very clearly we had a conversation in our tour of New Zealand, more so when I was batting back at the end [of the innings].
“It was about that you can change the game by getting on top of teams from ball one.
(Photo by Gareth Copley-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
“All the best players in the world have the ability to do that, so I went away from that tour and worked with my batting coach Scotty Meuleman and worked extremely hard to change my game to be able to hit more sixes from ball one.
“But more so just the mindset. Some of the guys we’ve got in this group – talking to Marcus Stoinis has been huge for me about having a presence. You see the presence that he has when he goes out to the middle of the wicket.
“I think it’s a mindset thing for me. It’s backing your ability against the other best players in the world and having fun.”
Marsh, Australia’s second-leading run-scorer at the World Cup behind David Warner with 185 runs at 61.66 across five innings, has often unfairly been a punching bag for critics amid form and injury struggles.
In 2019, he told a press conference that “most of Australia hates me”, though he clarified on Monday that his comments were “a bit of tongue-in-cheek”.
Still, Marsh would have been justified in firing back at his knockers.
Instead, he insisted that “I certainly don’t go out playing cricket thinking about that sort of stuff” and lauded his teammates.
“Just super proud of this whole team. For me personally, to be able to stand up in the final like that and get us over the line was just magic,” he said.
“As you can imagine, just over the moon … When you get a close team – people wanting to play their roles no matter what it is – this is what you get when you’ve got this much talent in our team.
“I’m certainly very confident in my ability now. I’ve touched on speaking about my journey and the ups and downs – and all those experiences just build resilience.
“That sort of stuff has got me to the point where I was able to go out and perform in a World Cup final. I leant on all those experiences, both amazing playing cricket for Australia and WA and the tougher experiences, but that’s no different to anyone else.
“Everyone’s got their own story, everyone’s been through ups and downs. I think what stands out for me most is the love in this team … I’m not going out there to play for my spot or to show people or prove people wrong.”
While Marsh hasn’t been part of Australia’s Test set-up since the 2019 Ashes tour, his commanding white-ball touch has put him in the frame to bat in the middle order.
He confirmed he would fly to Queensland “with all the Ashes boys”, including Warner, Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, and is likely to play in a three-day intra squad game from December 1-3.
But Marsh indicated he doesn’t expect Ashes selection in Brisbane, saying he is keen to play for Australia A in their match against the England Lions starting a day after the first Test begins.
“I imagine I’ll be back to the [Perth] Scorchers for the Big Bash and trying to slog a few,” he said.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
He’s had a decent if not great ODI career, but hardly played any T20is before this year - only 11 in 9 years, average 21, scoring rate only 115. So a huge lift since early this year. Had been pretty good in BBL for a while I believe.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
I’d probably pick India winning the WC in 1983 and Sri Lanka winning in 1996 as the most likely WC wins. But these guys didn’t look a great chance given recent form of the team and a few of the players.
Andrew Pengelly
Guest
The so-called Marsh haters really only exist in the context of test cricket, I don't think he has had a popularity issue when it comes to white-ball cricket. That said it is concerning that suddenly he is being spoken about as a test candidate, Kerry O'Keefe had him pencilled in the team even before the WC final. Thats' where people get frustrated, it seems that every time M.Marsh shows a little form his name comes up for test selection, despite a record that is far inferior to the likes of Kawaja, Head and a few others on the fringes.
Marty
Roar Rookie
Coming in, even mid way through the tournament no one gave them a chance, including me. But they backed themselves against all of the outside noise and pulled off one the most unlikely WC wins I can remember. Speaks absolute volumes about what’s going on behind the scenes and the level of camaraderie and self belief within the group, amazing. Just goes to show how little bearing all of the noise and conjecture coming in had on actual team performance. Well done lads, enjoy!
Paul
Roar Guru
Once again, a simple example of how critical the right mindset is, when playing at that level. It doesn't hurt he got bumped up the order, but he earned the promotion through his positive intent. I'm glad too he's got some realistic thoughts about the Ashes. Great that he'll likely be rewarded with a game in the possibles/probables, but he knows there's a few other decent options ahead of him and is happy to keep contributing to his State. He should also be rewarded with a CA contract.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
It's how clean he hits the ball - almost never a high risk, low % shot, just drives, cover drives, pulls. It's very Gilly-esque in clean hitting power, though I reckon Marsh can hit them further. The way he bossed that attack....I said at one point mid-innings it was like watching him swat flies. Seemingly little effort, just one thwack after another. As well as the over he had Sodhi on a puppet string, just pushing him to bowl wide bowls through sheer fear of Sodhi knowing he was going to get smacked.
matth
Roar Guru
Great innings today from Marsh in a very high pressure situation. That first ball six was certainly a statement of intent. Marsh has always been a good white ball player, but giving him the number three slot has turned out to be a masterstroke, he's been looking very Watson-esque in white ball cricket in that role.
Ace
Roar Rookie
Magnificent win and full of merit . Something for all concerned to look back on with pride
Burwale
Guest
Great performance. But of no merit when considering test matches. Specialising for the short form is fine