Despite his success opening the batting in India earlier this year, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has dismissed suggestions that he will open the innings for Australia in the ODIs ahead of the World Cup next month.
Even when David Warner returned to the ODI XI for the final match, he batted at number 4, with Mitchell Marsh retaining his spot at the top of the order. Marsh’s recent batting success across formats has led to speculation that he could continue to open, especially now that he has been named captain in the absence of Pat Cummins.
“I expect to bat in the middle order,” Marsh told AAP ahead of the first ODI. “Things may change, but David Warner is literally one of the greatest of all time (GOATs) in one-day cricket and white-ball cricket in general. We have Travis Head and Australia’s best-ever all-three-format player there, so I dare say I probably won’t be opening the batting.”
Australia has announced its playing XI for the first ODI against South Africa. Marsh will bat at number 3 in place of the injured Steve Smith. Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis have also been included in the XI, and the visitors are also set to field both keepers, Alex Carey and Josh Inglis. Cummins is expected to miss the entire series as she continues her recovery from an injury sustained during the Ashes.
Sean Abbott, who has been selected for the ODI World Cup for the first time, will be in the XI alongside Josh Hazlewood and the two spinners, Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar. After thrashing the hosts 3-0 in the T20I series, Australia’s challenge in the ODIs will get tougher with South Africa welcoming back some big names. The first ODI is scheduled to be held in Bloemfontein on September 7.
Australia’s playing XI for 1st ODI – David Warner, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (C), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa
