Australia has decided to retain the same 13-members squad for the 2nd Test against Indian in Adelaide, despite a heavy defeat in the series opener in Perth. However there are notables concerns regarding Mitchel Marsh’s fitness, particularly his ability to bowl in the upcoming day-night Test match.
Mitchel Marsh bowled 17 overs in the first Test, taking 2 wickets for 12 runs in the first innings and 1 for 65 in the second, but his fitness is under scrutiny for the next match. Head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that Marsh’s performance from the first innings was satisfactory, but his condition will be closely monitored. McDonald stated, “Has he pulled up okay ? We’ll wait and see,” indicating a cautious approach to Marsh’s participation as a bowler in the Adelaide Test.
McDonald emphasized that the squad will remain unchanged, saying “The people in that changeroom (for Perth Test) are the same people that will be in Adelaide.” This decision reflects a strategy to stick with the current lineup despite the loss, possibly with an eye on leveraging their strong record in day-night Tests and hoping for a bounce-back performance.
The coach also addressed the broader team composition and performance, noting that decisions are made based on conditions and the team’s needs, and that there was no significant concern about the fifth bowler’s role in the opening Test. However, with Marsh’s fitness in question, Australia might need to rely more on part-time bolwers or other all-rounders in their squad.
Pat Cummins (C), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Usman Khwaja, Mithcell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood