Mitch Marsh says he has returned to full fitness, having overcome a back injury and feeling ready to bowl uninhibited for Australia in the third Test.
While Australia sweated on the fitness of Josh Hazlewood’s side on Thursday, Marsh delivered some good news by returning to the nets and bowling.
The allrounder had been in doubt in the lead-up to Australia’s 10-wicket win over India in Adelaide, after pulling up sore from the 295-run flogging in the first Test.
Marsh then didn’t bowl in the lead-up to Adelaide as Australia called in Beau Webster for cover, before being asked to get through four overs in the win in the South Australian capital.
But the 33-year-old was back to a normal preparation on Thursday, bowling in the nets early in Australia’s training as he readies himself for the crucial third Test in Brisbane.
“I had a sore back, but right now it’s feeling as good as it has felt,” Marsh said on Thursday.
“We had a really clear plan before the series started.
“I didn’t bowl as much as I would have liked to in the lead-up to the series, but our medical staff and Ronnie (coach Andrew McDonald) and Patty (captain Pat Cummins) were really clear on my lead-up.
“I trusted that. I haven’t had to bowl too much so far, but my body is feeling really good.”
Marsh said he did not believe he had any limits on his bowling going into day one in Brisbane on Saturday, and did not foresee issues in getting through the summer.
“I’ll try and be ready to bowl as much as Patty needs me. Our allrounders haven’t bowled a hell of a lot in Australia the last few years,” Marsh said.
“But I am really thankful for our medical staff, Ronnie and Patty, who have allowed me the space between that first and second Test to just get right for the game.
“I am really well placed. For me it is all about being able to contribute.
“Whether that is five overs and bowling the occasional good ball and getting a wicket or just bowling overs to give our boys a chop out, I love it.”
Hazlewood was also set to go through a crucial session in the nets late on Thursday afternoon, after missing Australia’s 10-wicket win in Adelaide.
The quick sent down two spells in Adelaide on Monday after Australia locked up the series at 1-1, and is believed to have pulled up well from them.
He completed some light warm-up drills under the watchful eye of Australian staff on Thursday, before being whisked off for a private training session with fellow quick Mitchell Starc and bowling coach Dan Vettori.
If Hazlewood does feel confident in his side, selectors will have to make a call between bringing him back or sticking with Scott Boland in Brisbane.
Meanwhile, Australia brought spinner Matt Kuhnemann into their training on Thursday, allowing him to work under bowling coach Vettori ahead of this summer’s Sri Lanka tour.
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au