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Justin Langer backs Mitchell Marsh to bat higher up the order for Australia in all formats

Marsh scored an unbeaten 79 against West Indies coming in at No.5

Mitchell Marsh and Australia will play West Indies in the final of the tri-nation series © AFP
Mitchell Marsh and Australia will play West Indies in the final of the tri-nation series © AFP

Australian head coach Justin Langer believes Mitchell Marsh has all it takes to bat higher up the order for Australia in all the formats. Marsh scored a brilliant unbeaten 79 against West Indies in the last game to propel his side to win and place in the final. Despite being always considered as a talent and a future star, Marsh’s ability with bat never came to the fore. Most of the times, he is played at No.6 or 7, meaning his role is confined to that of a pinch hitter. His career average in ODIs is nearly 40, with an healthy strike rate of 94.83. ALSO READ: Mitchell Marsh backs himself for No. 5 spot in ODI side

Speaking about Marsh, who has had few concerns with the bat despite being the talent he is, Langer said, “Not for me. I think he can easily become a four of five in all formats of the game. I think he’s that talented and with a bit of confidence and a bit more experience, there’s absolutely zero concern for me that he wouldn’t be able to do the job up the order for Australia.”

“(A big score in Test cricket is) just around the corner, I’ve got no doubt. He could easily be a four, five, six, possibly higher than that, and I think that’s what he’ll be aspiring to do and he’s certainly got the ability to do that. With maturity I think he could easily do that in all formats.”

Langer also went on to praise Marsh’s unbeaten 79 against West Indies which helped Australia book a place in the final. “That was one of the innings of his career. For him to be there at the end was a great achievement for him and a huge confidence booster going forward for him.”

“And (it’s) a huge confidence booster for the Australian cricket team having a player like him not only having potential and having talent, but also having performances. It’s easy in life to say ‘just go out there and back yourself and just be confident’. But until you’ve done it and it’s in your blood and it becomes part of you … and you’ve got to earn to right to have that.”

“Every time you have a great innings for Australia, that just gets you closer to feeling like you’re really a part of it and you really belong. There’s been a lot of great players who have had that one big innings and it’s changed their career. I know the feeling, that’s for sure.”

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