Emerging all-rounder Mitch Marsh hopes the recent turmoil surrounding Australia’s cricket team will end up galvanising the side ahead of their upcoming Ashes campaign.
The suspension of opener Dave Warner and the shock sacking of coach Mickey Arthur robbed Australia of a smooth lead-in to their five-Test series against England, starting at Trent Bridge on July 10.
But the arrival of new coach Darren Lehmann seems to have had a calming effect on the player group, with Australia now quietly confident of causing an Ashes upset.
Marsh, who will keep a keen eye on the series while he takes part in Australia A’s tour of Africa, said the squad had dealt with the distractions well.
“It was a tough few weeks there for the boys,” said Marsh, who was part of Australia’s failed Champions Trophy campaign when the Warner controversy struck.
“But to their credit, they all stuck together through those tough times.
“I really feel that it’s going to bring everyone together, and hopefully we’ll let our cricket do the talking over the next few months.”
Warner was stood down from playing duties after punching England’s Joe Root in a Birmingham club.
The 26-year-old is facing an uphill battle to earn selection for the first Test against England, but could still play a prominent role in the remainder of the series, as well as the return leg in Australia this summer.
Marsh, who has endured his own off-field indiscretions in recent years, backed Warner to rebound from the controversy.
“For the two weeks after, while I was still there, he was the first to training and last to leave, working extremely hard,” Marsh said.
“Hopefully he can get back into the team. We all know how good a player he can be.
“It’s never easy when you’re in the media like that.
“From my indiscretions, I just worked extremely hard and I really wanted to prove myself to my teammates and the coaching staff that I can do the right things and stay on the park.
“I’m sure David will do that.”
Marsh will head to Brisbane on Sunday to spend time at the Centre of Excellence, before flying over to Africa with the Australia A squad.
