Mitch Marsh has joined the queue spruiking David Warner’s leadership credentials as the Cricket Australia board prepares to consider the dynamic opener’s captaincy ban on Friday.
“He’s a he’s a great leader among our group,” Marsh said in Canberra as Australia prepares for the second of three Twenty20 internationals against England, at Manuka Oval on Wednesday.
“As far as all the decisions go, I certainly steer clear of all those conversations. But yeah, he’s a great man …
“Certainly, he creates a lot of energy around our team and brings everyone together.”
Marsh took a mischievous view talking about Matthew Wade’s obstruction of England bowler Mark Wood when he was trying to take a catch during a tense finish to last Sunday’s T20 match in Perth.
Wade remained at the crease after England captain Jos Buttler opted against appealing for a wicket for obstructing the field.
Mitch Marsh batting against England in Perth on Sunday.Credit:Getty Images
“Old Dusty Martin over there,” Marsh joked about Wade, referring to AFL superstar Dustin Martin and his “don’t argue” fend-off.
“Like Jos said, he didn’t actually see it, so it’s pretty hard to appeal if you don’t see something.
“Would I appeal? If it was Wadey, yes I would appeal. Anyone else, probably not.”
England bowler Sam Curran took a more serious tone when asked about the confrontation on Tuesday.
“I did see the replay,” Curran said at Manuka Oval. “I think it’s a bit of niggle, isn’t it? It’s one of those things that maybe in a World Cup game with the pressure of the line, it might have been a bit different. Jos just might have appealed.”
Matthew Wade after being dismissed in Perth on Sunday.Credit:Getty Images
When the collision occurred the umpires asked Buttler if he wanted to continue the appeal rather than giving Wade out. Buttler declined, later saying “We’re only just got to Australia so I thought, just carry on with the game.”
Curran believes the decision should have been made by the video umpire.
“It’s one of those where all of us as players are watching the ball go up. We’re looking at that rather than the actual movements of the players involved,” Curran said.
“And maybe the easiest way is to go straight to the third umpire. It’s probably tough for the umpires in the field. They’re watching the ball as well.”
Wade successfully appealed for obstructing the field against England in 2015 when Ben Stokes stopped a ball from hitting the stumps.
