Mitchell Marsh is expected to lead Australia in the upcoming T20 World Cup set to be played in the West Indies and the USA, with head coach Andrew McDonald backing the all-rounder to take up the role ahead of Pat Cummins for the showpiece event.
The hard-hitting Marsh was first named captain of the T20I side after Australia’s World Test Championship triumph over India last year. Marsh led Australia to a 3-0 series whitewash in South Africa, where he was adjudged the Player of the Series after smashing 92* and 79* in the first two matches. Earlier this year, Australia beat West Indies 2-1 at home under Marsh’s captaincy before sealing a 3-0 clean sweep over New Zealand away.
The 32-year-old has received sound backing from head coach Andrew McDonald who forms a part of the selection panel chaired by George Bailey. Tony Dodemaide is the other member of the panel. The trio will pass on the message of their preferred choice to Cricket Australia (CA).
“I think all roads will lead to Mitch, so just got to get that ticked off in certain areas. We’re happy and comfortable with the way he’s been able to operate with that T20 team.
“We think he’s the leader for the World Cup, and I think that will just be a matter of due course,” McDonald was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
Marsh was lifted to the role of T20I leadership post Aaron Finch’s retirement, under whom the team clinched their maiden T20 World Cup in 2021. Marsh was instrumental in the title win as he scored a blistering 77 in the final against New Zealand, earning the Player of the Match award. In Marsh’s absence, veteran wicketkeeper Matthew Wade has been donning the captain’s role. Shortly after the ODI World Cup win in November 2023, Wade was the leader during a second-string Australian’s 4-1 series defeat to India.
