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Nov 14, 2023

World Cup 2023: Mitchell Marsh hopes Sri Lanka win would be stepping stone for Australia in right direction

Listen to Story Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh hopes that Australia's 5-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the World Cup group match in Lucknow may set the course for leading his team in the right

Listen to Story

Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh hopes that Australia's 5-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the World Cup group match in Lucknow may set the course for leading his team in the right direction in the ongoing tournament. Australia, a five-time champion, opened its account at the World Cup 2023 with a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, with almost 15 overs remaining in a match that faced interruption from a rain delay, high winds, and sandstorm dust.

Adam Zampa managed to derail Sri Lanka with a remarkable 4 for 47 in just eight overs, leading to a surprising batting collapse within the Sri Lankan team. The 1996 champion team, proceeding smoothly at 125-0 initially, took a steep fall and reached a mere 209 all out in 43.3 overs, with a loss of all its 10 wickets for just 84 runs. Pathum Nissanka (61) and Kusal Perera (78), the opening players, were the sole significant contributors.

"It was a really good day for us. We came into the game with a little bit of pressure after the slow start, but our experienced guys stood up today. We're away. I wouldn't say soul-searching but there was plenty of hurt [after the loss to South Africa]. Hopefully, that's a stepping stone for us in the right direction. Just making up for his [dad's] strike rate," Marsh said while speaking to Star Sports.

Marsh was happy that Australia finished the match without many hiccups after a nightmarish start to their 210-run change.

"I felt like I was batting well tonight and I probably got ahead of myself (on the run-out). The boys were calm and the way we finished it off was great. I actually went for one over, but I was shut down. We have a heap of options - three quicks, Zampa, Maxwell, Stoin and myself. He [Cummins] always has a calm demeanor. The way he bowled and his bowling changes were fantastic. Inglis is a fighter and loves a contest. He plays spin well and backs his skills. First of all, he has power and hopefully it's the start of a long career for him," Marsh added.