Lehmann backs aggro Marsh

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Australia head coach Darren Lehmann believes that allrounder Mitchell Marsh is at his best when he is playing his strokes with abandon.

Marsh started his innings against New Zealand in Cairns in a subdued manner but let loose once Travis Head had departed, smashing seven sixes.

Lehmann feels that Marsh may have been given conflicting advice on how to bat with State and Big Bash coach Justin Langer singled out.

According to ESPN Cricinfo Lehmann said: “It’s good to see him make some runs.

“He struggled the first 13-14 balls and then he got one away and away he went. I think he said yesterday he’s got to play with a bit more freedom, and he certainly is a highly talented young player, and he’s got to find his way.

“You’ve got so many coaches and different views – a Scorchers view, a WACA view, Australia view – and different coaches around the place. For him he’s got to work out what works for him, and my personal opinion is when he’s playing shots he’s a lot more dangerous.”

His state coach at Western Australia Langer believes that Marsh has the potential to bat in the top order if he applies himself.

Langer said: “He can easily become a four or five in all formats of the game.

“That’s what he’ll be aspiring to do and he’s certainly got the ability to do that. With maturity I think he could easily do that in all formats. He’s that talented.”

Marsh however has committed himself to playing his natural game and seeing how far that gets him.

Marsh said: “I’ve had a few conversations with Boof [Lehmann] … I think in red-ball cricket the last couple of years I probably haven’t played my natural game.

“I’ve tried to be a batsman that bats time but for me I’m a hitter of the cricket ball and for the next few months I think I’m going to bat like that and really back myself. I might get out a few ugly ways at times, but I feel it will give me the best chance to score runs and score big runs.

“When you’re not scoring runs you tend to try plenty of different things in the nets to make something work. The last week or two I’ve simplified it to watching the ball as hard as I can and then letting my natural ability take over. I felt much better once I’ve done that and really just clearing my head.”

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