'I feel really comfortable': Mitchell Marsh reveals his best position while batting for Australia

Australia's dynamic cricketer Mitchell Marsh would make a significant move down the batting order as Travis Head prepares to return to the team at the ongoing World Cup 2023. Marsh's explosive opening partnership with David Warner garnered significant attention, including their record-breaking 259-run stand in a recent win over Pakistan.

3 things you need to know

• Australia will take on Netherlands in a World Cup match in Delhi 
• Mitchell Marsh is expected to vacate his opening position 
• Marsh hit a hundred in Australia's win over Pakistan

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Marsh, who scored 52 in the previous match as an opener, confirmed that he will be taking up the No. 3 position once Head, who had been sidelined due to a hand injury, makes his return to the team. Head's recovery has progressed rapidly, as he was seen practicing range-hitting (six-hitting) in the nets ahead of the match against Netherlands. This decision will likely result in Marnus Labuschagne being dropped from the playing XI. 

When asked about his change in position, Marsh on the eve of the match humorously stated, "I mentioned to David Warner, maybe he can bat three, but I got a firm no from him." He continued, "But yeah, very happy to go back down to three. I've obviously batted there a lot over the last couple of years, so I feel really comfortable at three. And if and when Heady comes back in, I think that's the best position for me to play for this team."

Mitchell Marsh's improved performance 

Marsh's statistics at No. 3 are not as impressive as when he opens, with an average of 22.25 in 12 innings compared to an average of 60.55 as an opener. However, his excellent form in 2023, with an average of 45.92 across 14 innings, has secured his place in Australia's ODI lineup.

Regarding his improved performance, Marsh credited his consistency and hard work, saying, "Not a whole lot's changed [with my game]. I've just probably not given up on the fact that I was striving for something and kept working hard through periods of time that were tougher than others.

"In the last couple of years, I feel as I've been as consistent as I have been, which was something that I was always striving for. I guess all the best players in the world that you look up to, and certainly in our team, they're so consistent. And that's what I have been."

Australia experienced a mixed start to their tournament, losing their first two games but subsequently winning two in a row. Their next opponent, Netherlands, might appear to be the least challenging in the league stage, but Marsh emphasised that Australia are not taking any team lightly, especially one that has already beaten South Africa.

"There's absolutely no easy games. And you go into every game having done all the appropriate homework and hopefully you can come out with a win," Marsh said. “So, it is no different for us. We respect the Netherlands; they're playing some good cricket and that will be a tough challenge.”