Australia’s Mitchell Marsh bowls into nets ahead of Perth Test vs India: Report

Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh prepared for a bowling role as the Australian team hit the nets ahead of the first Test of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Australian media reported that Marsh bowled a full session at the WACA as the Australian Test team reconvened for the first time since their tour of New Zealand in February.

The session started energetically as the team led by Pat Cummins acclimatised to Perth’s iconic jumping field. Marsh, who was sidelined in the recent Sheffield Shield matches due to fitness issues, appeared to be in excellent form. Starting with a gentle warm-up, the West Australian quickly ramped up the pace, delivering penetrating overs to Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.

Despite Head’s early aggression, Marsh found his rhythm and hit consistent lengths that took advantage of the WACA’s trademark bounce, effectively tying down the middle-order batsman. The session, which lasted about 40 minutes, showed Marsh’s potential to fill the void left by injured all-rounder Cameron Green. Marsh’s return to bowling is a boost for captain Pat Cummins, who will rely on him as a versatile option in the series against a formidable Indian line-up led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj.

While Marsh worked on his bowling, the batting unit improved their skills on the newly prepared center wicket. Matt McSweeney, fresh from winning a competitive selection battle with Australia A, made a fiery introduction to the senior squad. Facing Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, McSweeney struggled initially, missing one Lyon delivery and missing several from outside off. However, he calmed down as the session progressed, showing composure and solid technique against the world-class attack.

Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja also took center stage, with Smith demonstrating his aggressive flair by sending Lyon’s deliveries into the west stand roof. Khawaja, despite being bowled early in his stint, found his stride alongside the senior batsman. Labuschagne, known for his meticulous approach, briefly switched roles and produced medium pacers who kept the bowlers on their toes.

Australian pace trio Cummins, Starc and Josh Hazlewood were in sharp form, slamming their tires into the nets with precision. Scott Boland, the reserve seamer, impressed with his trademark accuracy and ensured all the bases were covered ahead of the series opener.

The camp exuded confidence and willingness as the team focused on both the technical and mental aspects of their game. With Marsh back in the mix and the batting line-up looking stable, Australia looked well prepared to take on the challenge of India’s world-class bowling and batting units. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off at the Perth Stadium and promises an exciting battle between two cricketing giants.