Marsh aims for bigger cricket role

Mitch Marsh wants the high-pressure death role in the Australian attack as he tries to cement his World Cup cricket berth.

The allrounder has now played three one-dayers ahead of Saturday’s Cup opener against England at the MCG after recovering from a hamstring injury.

With James Faulkner recovering from his side strain, Marsh will probably play a greater role in the first few games of the tournament.

Marsh said after the Australians arrived in Melbourne on Monday that he was unsure of his role in the team.

“Obviously losing James means that probably one of the all-rounders probably has to bowl a few more overs.

“I’m hoping that’s me, but that’s up to the selectors.

“I’m pretty confident – obviously I’d like to fill that role.

“It’s going to be good fun and hopefully if I get the opportunity, I can take it.”

Marsh wants to prove he can cope with the pressure at the end of the innings.

“It’s just bowling more and getting that experience,” he said.

“I’d like to keep working on my ‘death’ bowling and being an option at the death.

“That’s really important, to have as many options as we can.”

Captain Michael Clarke is set to return to the Australian team for Wednesday’s warm-up match against the UAE after recovering from his own well-documented hamstring and back injuries.

“I did offer him my hamstrings, but he politely rejected them,” Marsh said.

“I think he’s going to be fine.

“He’s such a key players for us, he’s our captain, so we’ll be rapt to get him back.”

Another bonus for Australia ahead of the World Cup has been Glenn Maxwell’s booming return to form.

Maxwell belted 122 from 57 balls on Sunday as Australia mauled India by 108 runs at Adelaide Oval.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be out in the middle with Maxy in the last few innings, just to watch it,” Marsh said.

“It’s great to see him in form and great to see him batting with the maturity he’s (shown) in the last few innings.”

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