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Mitch Marsh to get licence to thrill in NZ

3 minute read

Powerful allrounder Mitch Marsh says he's looking forward to swinging hard in the middle order during the upcoming five-match T20 series in New Zealand.

MITCHELL MARSH.
MITCHELL MARSH. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Allrounder Mitch Marsh wants to become Australia's go-to T20 finisher with a licence to thrill - but he's not proclaiming to be the middle order saviour.

Australia's middle order remains the biggest concern ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year.

Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner, and Marsh have all been named for the upcoming T20 series in New Zealand, and will be aiming to stamp their mark.

Marsh looms as the biggest trump card following his stunning BBL campaign.

The 29-year-old played a key role in helping lift the Scorchers into the BBL final, slugging 315 runs at an average of 39.4 and a strike rate of 147.9.

His power hitting at the death was crucial, with Marsh often coming it at No.5.

Australia look set to use Marsh in a similar finisher position for the T20 series in NZ and the powerful allrounder is happy with that, despite calls for him to bat higher up the order.

"I absolutely love that role ... and that is to go out and finish the innings off, be really positive, and swing as hard as I possibly can," Marsh said.

"It's a great licence to have. I won't be putting too much pressure on myself to resurrect the middle order. I certainly don't' see that as the case. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity."

Marsh wasn't able to bowl during the latter half of the BBL campaign due to a side strain, but he's hoping to be ready for all-round duties from game one in NZ, starting on February 22.

The West Australian will do his best to keep his emotions in check after being fined $5000 for an outburst at an umpire after copping a bad decision during the BBL qualifying final loss to Sydney Sixers.

Test great Ricky Ponting initially feared Marsh would cop a suspension over the incident, and Marsh knows he needs to be on his best behaviour.

"I certainly did over-react a little bit," Marsh said.

"To get a call like that was disappointing, but it's something I learnt from, and I don't want to be reacting like that too much, otherwise Punter will be right and I will start getting suspended."

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