Marsh 'not scared' of facing Steyn

Cricket365
August 26, 2014

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh cherished the Man of the Match award, as Australia trumped Zimbabwe by 198 runs in Monday's tri-series ODI at the Harare Sports Club.

Marsh struck a brisk 89 in a final total of 350 for six, before securing the key wicket of the talented Sean Williams in the home side's very insufficient response of 152 all out.

"It was special bringing up my first international 50. I just had the role to get us as deep as I could, and obviously if we had wickets in hand at the end, with the batting we have we could apply some pressure to their bowlers," said Marsh.

"In the practice game in Brisbane when I batted at three, captain Michael Clarke sort of said 'you've got an opportunity there now', so fingers crossed I can stick around. They've certainly shown a lot of faith in me, and hopefully I can repay that. I certainly feel like I'm ready to take up that challenge."

The 22-year-old was particularly fruitful during a quickfire stand of 109 inside nine overs alongside the hard-hitting Glenn Maxwell, whose 46-delivery 93 featured a slew of audacious shot selection – and nine fours and five sixes.

"I thought Maxwell and all the other guys at the end batted really well to get us to a great total. It was certainly good fun to watch. I was very happy being at the other end. He's a special player and that was a great innings from him," he added.

The Australians and South Africa will clash on Wednesday at the same venue, where the right-handed Marsh will face a staunch challenge against a bowling attack completed by the services of the recalled Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

"It'll be a tough contest. I'm certainly not scared or anything, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to face those guys. Hopefully I can play a role for the team," he concluded.