Mitchell Marsh, Australia captain for the T20I series against New Zealand, has provided some clarity on his side’s batting lineup for the T20 World Cup 2024.
Marsh confirmed that the top three positions are “pretty set” with him batting at number three, and Travis Head and David Warner opening the innings. This established trio has shown remarkable synergy and performance over recent times, leaving little room for speculation about their roles in the upcoming World Cup.
“I’ve batted three for the last 18 months so I’ll be there,” Marsh said in Wellington. “Heady (Travis Head) and Davy Warner have been amazing for us over the last period of time, so I dare say that’ll be the top three.”
However, this leaves Steve Smith, a former captain and a seasoned player, in a somewhat ambiguous position regarding his place in the team’s squad for the World Cup. Despite his vast experience and contributions to Australian cricket, the current middle-order strength—boasting talents like Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, and Tim David, alongside Marcus Stoinis who is currently out with back soreness—casts doubt on Smith’s inclusion in Australia’s best XI for the T20 format. Notably, Smith will not be participating in the upcoming Indian Premier League, missing an opportunity to make a case for his T20 credentials.
Nonetheless, Smith might still find a role in the T20 series against New Zealand, as Australia looks to manage player workloads and experiment with team dynamics. Coach Andrew McDonald expressed interest in using the series to explore different “pieces of the puzzle,” indicating a willingness to test various combinations and strategies.
Despite the experimental approach, Marsh emphasized the team’s focus on winning, suggesting that while some players might bat in unfamiliar positions, the ultimate goal remains to secure victories in the series.
“Whilst we look ahead and it happens a lot â€æ especially in World Cup years, we’re here to win the series,” he said. “There’ll be certain guys that bat in probably different positions â€æ but ultimately we’re here to win.”
Marsh, who took over the T20 captaincy from Pat Cummins for the series against West Indies and the ongoing games against New Zealand, mentioned he does not feel like he is auditioning for the World Cup captaincy role. His leadership in the recent series and the forthcoming matches against New Zealand is seen as part of the broader preparation for the World Cup, rather than a trial for his captaincy.