Western Australia coach Justin Langer emphasised that much-improved Mitchell Marsh should be included in the third Test of the ongoing Magellan Ashes series 2017-18 which will be kicking off on December 14 in Perth.
“He [Mitchell Marsh] has been excellent on and off the field. The captaincy and leadership is going to be a big part of his re-emergence in international cricket,” Langer was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
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The former Australian batsman Langer reiterated Mitchell could be a perfect candidate for the post of a captain for the national side in the foreseeable future while adding the WA skipper has given his best to be inducted into the squad.
“You’d definitely like to have another fast-bowling option I think if there’s any concern about any of the bowlers and if the wicket looks anything like what we’ve played on in the last two Shield games (in Perth),” Langer asserted.
Earlier, the 26-year-old Perth-born Mitchell has led WA from the front – to lift the One-day JLT Sheffield Shield title.
The 47-year-old Langer urged the skipper Steven Smith to include in the playing XI of Australia after the hosts are leading the traditional five-match series 2-0.
Moreover, Langer believes the side is in good stead, and he would not have changed the side.
“Australia are 2-0 up in the Ashes, I never like to change a winning team,” Langer maintained.
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As the conditions are expected to be perfect for the batting, in particular, Langer remarked he is looking forward to see Mitchell as the fifth option for the bowling.
“The last few games it’s been flat. I hope Pagey [curator Matthew Page] leaves some good green grass on it, that way it usually swings a bit which is great for the game of cricket,” Langer added.
Mitchell, who has undergone the massive rehabilitation programme, is now rolling over his arm after the shoulder surgery.
Of late, Mitchell has been at the forefront to score runs in bulk for the WA, as he has further gone from strength to strength.
“Mitchell Marsh, like a lot of young players, you get in early then part of the journey is you get dropped. Then you’ve got a choice to make, you can either fade away or get better,” Langer further added.
Langer added the outstanding performance had been things easy for the state-side and he won’t be taken by surprise if his ward would take the field at the home ground.
“He’s also captain of Western Australia now, showing great leadership and doing a very good job of that. And he’s bowling again, so you can understand it’s zero surprise to me,” Langer said.
Mitchell has worked hard on his game to be considered for the national squad following his remarkable run of late.
Interestingly, while observing the game closely the former Australian opener, Langer also stated ace off-spinner Nathan Lyon might struggle in the Perth, as the slow bowling according to him won’t be that effective.
“(The) spin-bowling doesn’t usually have the impact here as it does other grounds. So maybe Nathan Lyon won’t have the same impact he’s had in Adelaide and Brisbane,” Langer concluded.
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However, it would be further interesting to see if Mitchell would be included in the playing XI in the side as he has been adamant in approach to show confidence when it comes to the longer version of the game.
Mitchell so far played 21 Tests for Australia in which he picked 29 wickets and scored 674 at the average of 21.74.
