Marsh insists Watson is the main allround guy
One of Australia's heroes in their win against England in their opening match of the World Cup Mitchell Marsh insists that Shane Watson remains the premier allrounder in the team.
Marsh first hit a quick 23 in 20 balls at the back of Australia's innings of 342 for nine, then bowled superbly to claim career best figures of five for 33 as the co-hosts won by 111 runs.
The performance of Marsh has placed the scrutiny firmly on Watson to keep his place in the side for the duration of the tournament, especially with the imminent return of James Faulkner some time during the competition.
Marsh though is having none of it. He thinks Watson, who was out first ball against England, is still the number one allrounder in the 15-man squad.
The 23 year-old Marsh said: "I still think Shane's the premier allrounder in our team and he's such a vital cog for us going forward in this World Cup. All of us know how important he is for us.
"To be fair I think most blokes (would have) nicked that ball (from Broad). It was a cracker. It's the one ball you don't want when you go in there first ball.
"It's obviously going to be a tough selection for the selectors this week but I think it's a good one."
Australia's next match in the tournament, which they are co-hosting with New Zealand, is against Bangladesh on the 21 February in Brisbane.
Latest
-
NewsIndia recall Cheteshwar Pujara for rescheduled Test against England
The 34-year-old has scored four hundreds in eight innings for Sussex this season.
-
NewsKeith Barker blows away Somerset to help Hampshire to victory
The visitors needed just one run in their second innings to seal victory.
-
NewsCraig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
NewsThree positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
NewsZak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
NewsMark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
NewsMcCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
NewsEffects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
NewsBen Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
NewsJofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.