Mitchell Marsh was the latest Australia cricketer to enter the ongoing debate about David Warner’s position in Tests, sparked off by an aggressive column from Mitchell Johnson. Marsh, alongside Warner, was a part of the World Cup 2023 winning Australia squad. Ahead of the three-match PAK vs AUS Test series, Marsh opened up about if he thought Warner should be replaced in the Test side.
Mitchell Marsh dives into Warner debate
Marsh opined that he was reluctant to replace David Warner as the ‘opener’ in Tests, adding that he was happy batting down the order. Having made his first century at home in the 2017-18 Ashes, this will be his first appearance in a Test since then at home. The batting all-rounder joked that he would he would put his hand up to bat up the order if the coach was okay with him scoring 150 runs before lunch on Day 1 of the Test.
“I’m very reluctant to be a part of the conversation (to replace Warner)“, Marsh said speaking to SEN WA.
“I understand that people have to talk about it and there’s obviously a lot of options for this team at the moment.
“But my sole focus is batting at number six, and I thoroughly enjoy that role. That’s all I’m focused on this week.”
Marsh’s never-ending World Cup celebration
The batting all-rounder further spilled the beans on his celebrations after Australia won their 6th World Cup and how long the party lasted for. He revealed that he carried on the celebrations by himself at Rottnest Island along with some of his friends in a boat. Marsh said that the medal was around his neck the whole day while he was constantly recieving appreciation from people in other boats.
The next day Marsh received a message from coach Andrew McDonald.
“I had a couple of texts from Ronnie saying, ‘have you stopped yet?’ That was on Thursday. I said ‘just give me one more day, coach’,” Marsh said.
Johnson’s scathing attack on Warner
Johnson launched a scathing attack on Warner regarding the upcoming farewell Test series. In a column for The West Australian, Johnson questioned the privilege of a struggling Test opener being able to choose his retirement date. Johnson, known for his strong opinions, didn’t shy away from bringing up the infamous “Sandpapergate” scandal from 2018.
David Warner, a central figure in the controversy, received a 12-month ban for his involvement.
“As we prepare for David Warner’s farewell series, can somebody please tell me why?” Johnson wrote. “Why a struggling Test opener gets to nominate his own retirement date.“
“And why a player at the centre of one of the biggest scandals in Australian cricket history warrants a hero’s send-off?”
Johnson criticized Warner’s perceived arrogance and disrespect towards the country, emphasizing that his farewell series echoes the same attitude. The former fast bowler even humorously suggested that fans might bring sandpaper to the farewell, referencing the scandal.
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