Mitchell Marsh believes latest heroics not enough for Test recall against Pakistan

Australia all-rounder smacks unbeaten 76 off 40 balls in second ODI against New Zealand

MELBOURNE: Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh said his return to form in Canberra would not be enough to earn a recall for the Test series against Pakistan.

Marsh clubbed an impressive 76 not out from 40 balls in the second ODI against New Zealand on Tuesday as Steve Smith’s side scored 378 for five. They then dismissed the visitors for 262 in 47.2 overs to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Despite this, Marsh felt a recall for the Test series against Pakistan is unlikely. “I’m not in a rush to get back in the Test side,” said the 25-year-old, who was dropped from the side after scoring 0 and 26 in the first Test match against South Africa in Perth last month. “But I know that I’ve got to score runs to get back, so that’s all I want to do.”



The innings at Manuka Oval showcased how dangerous he could be as he belted seven sixes, including three in the final over from Matt Henry, and he felt an aggressive approach may help him in future.

“When you’re not scoring runs, you tend to try play with things in the nets to try and make something work,” he said.

“I think in red ball cricket, over the last couple of years, I probably haven't played my natural game.

“For me, I’m a hitter of the cricket ball. Probably over the next few months, I'm just going to bat like that and really back myself.



“I might get out a few ugly ways at times but I feel like it's going to give me the best chance to score runs and score big runs.”

Despite his pessimism regarding the Test series against Pakistan, which starts with a day-night Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 15, he still held out hopes of being named for the tour of India next February.

“I’ve obviously got the (Twenty20) Big Bash but throughout that period, you've got a lot of time to work on your game so I'll certainly be doing that,” he said. “Hopefully in the second half of the year when I get a chance in the (Sheffield) Shield, I can perform.”



The all-rounder also said that his side will not be taking their collective foot off the gas in Friday's third ODI against New Zealand in Melbourne, despite it being a dead rubber.

“We’re representing our country in the series and we want to win 3-0,” said Marsh, who was part of the side swept 5-0 in South Africa and knows the dent in confidence that can bring.