Mitch Marsh Fires Back at Australian Public Following Test Team Exclusion

Former Australian Test all-rounder Mitch Marsh has confessed that he has not felt much affection from the public following a challenging summer season.

After a tough time during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Marsh was excluded from the Australian squad heading to Sri Lanka for their upcoming two-Test series, particularly after being dropped before the match at the SCG.

Despite his excitement over the team’s successful series against India on home soil, he sensed the mounting pressure from critics advocating for his removal.

However, he managed to address the sceptics with a touch of humour.

“I suppose (the successful year) was epitomised by the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly with the ten players who did exceptionally well without me,” he quipped at the Allan Border Medal night on Monday.

When discussing how he copes with the external criticism, Marsh acknowledged it has been quite challenging.

“Before December, I felt a great deal of love,” Marsh chuckled.

“But post-December, things told a slightly different story.”

Nevertheless, the seasoned player has maintained his composure.

His maturity shone through when he was benched for the final Test against India at the SCG, allowing all-rounder Beau Webster to make his debut.

Even in the face of personal disappointment, Marsh ensured he greeted and embraced Webster’s family at the SCG.

This positive outlook appears to be fuelling the 33-year-old’s motivation to make a significant impact upon his return from injury.

“Putting jokes aside, I have indeed felt a lot of love from Australian fans over the past few years,” he remarked.

Currently, Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to “ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction”.

Cricket Australia recently confirmed that Marsh will miss the ODI tournament scheduled in Pakistan and the UAE later this month.

This situation leaves his international career hanging in the balance.