Mitchell Marsh Declares Himself Fit to Bowl Ahead of Australia vs Sri Lanka Match

In a major development for the defending champions Australia ahead of a crucial encounter against Sri Lanka, allrounder Mitchell Marsh confirmed that he is fit to bowl in the second game. The defending champions have got off to a rocky start at the T20 World Cup 2022 following a heavy loss against New Zealand in the opening contest of the Super 12 stage. 

Speaking to the reporters on the eve of the game, Marsh said that he is available for bowl and looking forward to playing his role as an all-rounder in the team when he takes the field at the Optus Stadium on Tuesday.

“I’m back bowling this game and available to bowl. I love preparing as an allrounder and making sure I’m in the game the whole time but I’m feeling great and hopefully I can contribute a few big scores at the top and maybe chip in with a few wickets,” Mitchell Marsh told reporters in Perth on Monday.

With Marsh back to full fitness, skipper Australian will have an extra bowling option in the form of the right-arm seamer. Marsh highlighted the importance of his bowling role in the team alongside Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.

“I think with me bowling, it gives us that added flexibility of myself, Maxi (Maxwell) or Stoin (Stoinis) can get four overs out. And we can bowl anywhere,” Marsh added.

Marsh Upbeat for the Lankan Challenge

The Perth-based cricketer hasn’t bowled since sustaining an ankle injury against Zimbabwe in Townsville. Over the past few weeks, the towering Western Australian has featured exclusively as a batter. However, now Marsh has been bowling in the practice sessions without any discomfort. 

The 31-year-old’s fitness at the bowling crease would represent the final piece of the puzzle for Australia after a hectic two months leading into the competition. It’s a huge boost for the Aussie bowling attack, who were taken for 200, including 65 in the power play, in their heavy tournament-opening loss to New Zealand in Sydney on Saturday.

Australia will not just be looking to get a win but also to improve their net run rate in order to bring their campaign back on track against Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka.