Australia’s Mitchell Marsh has made it clear—his team is focused entirely on the present as they prepare for the all-important third Test against India at the Gabba. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Marsh emphasized the importance of staying in the moment, saying, “The biggest thing for us is about just focusing on this week and not what’s happened in the past.”
When asked about India’s famous victory at the Gabba in 2021, Marsh was quick to deflect: “The way we bounced back after Perth was an example of that. We are focused on playing our style and hopefully going 2-1 up in the series.”
On Countering Bumrah and Past Missteps
The conversation naturally turned to India’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah, and Marsh didn’t hold back in his praise. “He is probably the best bowler in the world. It’s just about getting up for that challenge—it’s a big series. You want to take on the best in the world. That is certainly my mentality,” he remarked confidently.
Marsh also shared a lighthearted moment when reminded of his controversial dismissal against R. Ashwin in Adelaide. Replays had shown there was no edge, but Marsh had walked off believing he was out. Recalling the incident, he admitted with a chuckle: “I thought I hit it, and so I walked off. When I got to the change rooms, they asked if I hit it, and I said, ‘Yeah, I smashed it.’ Then the replay came up, and my head went into my hands. A minute later, everyone else was laughing at me.”
Marsh’s Fitness and Support for Teammates
On his own fitness, Marsh seemed upbeat: “I haven’t had to bowl too much so far, but my body is feeling really good. I had a sore back, but right now, it’s feeling as good as it has ever felt.”
He also expressed confidence in his teammates, backing Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Josh Hazlewood to deliver. “Josh will do everything he can to get up for this game,” Marsh said. He also lauded Khawaja as a “local hero” and added, “There’s no doubt that the people will get around him.” As for Smith, Marsh was unequivocal: “He’s one of Australia’s best players.”
With the series tied at 1-1, the stakes are high for both teams. As Marsh and his squad gear up for the Gabba clash, one thing is certain: they’re leaving the past behind and are fully locked in on the challenge ahead.
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