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England vs Australia 2015: Mitchell Marsh says he is comfortable batting at No. 8

Matthew Wade was promoted above Mitchell Marsh in the first ODI against England.

Mitchell Marsh played a useful hand against England in the first ODI at Southampton © Getty Images
Mitchell Marsh (left) played a useful hand against England in the first ODI at Southampton © Getty Images

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh believes that being demoted to the No. 8 position in the Australian batting line-up has not unsettled him, but he bats at No.6 in Tests. Marsh batted at No.8 in the first One-Day International (ODI) against England at Southampton and is considered as one of the key members of the Australia setup. Australia having suffered a middle-order collapse, Marsh and wicketkeeper put on over 100 runs for the seventh wicket to ensure Australia finished at 305 for 6 in their 50 Overs, with Marsh contributing 34-ball 40. Australia eventually won the match by 59 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Full Scorecard: England vs Australia, 1st ODI at Southampton

“No I don’t think so – I’m really comfortable where my batting is at,” said Marsh. “I know when I’ve had opportunities at the top of the order for Australia I’ve been able to score runs. So for me it’s not about me batting higher because I know if I get the opportunity, hopefully I’ll be able to do that for the team. If batting at eight [is my role] then I’ll do everything I can to make sure I’m batting well when I get the opportunity,” he added, according to cricket.com.au. READ: Australia ease past England by 59 runs in 1st ODI at Southampton to take 1-0 lead in the series

Marsh also spoke on the support that all-rounder Shane Watson has provided to him. Watson was dropped from the Test team after Australia suffered a crushing defeat in the first Test at Cardiff. “Watto has been unbelievable,” Marsh said. “It was obviously a tough decision for the selectors to make after the first Test, but his attitude towards the whole team has been unbelievable, even more so for me. “It’s never easy [when you replace a teammate] and it’s always a bit awkward at the start but he’s been great, really approachable from my end as a youngster going up to him,” Marsh said. READ:  England vs Australia 2015, 2nd ODI at Lord’s Preview

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