Marsh Backs Smith To Regain Form In Brisbane Test

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has backed senior batter Steve Smith to regain his form in the third Test against India in Brisbane. Smith has struggled so far in the series, scoring just 19 runs across three innings.

Smith made scores of 0, 17, and 2 in the first two Tests. Despite mounting pressure, Marsh expressed confidence in Smith, calling him a “class player.” Marsh believes Smith will deliver for Australia in the upcoming Test after their dominant 10-wicket win in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.

“We know he’s one of our best players ever, and I’m certainly backing him to get some runs,” Marsh said on Thursday. “We know at times when we’ve needed him, he always seems to step up.”

India will arrive at the Gabba after a setback in Adelaide, but they carry positive memories from their historic win at this venue in the 2020-21 series. That victory ended Australia’s unbeaten streak at the Gabba and secured back-to-back Test series wins for India in Australia.

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However, the Australian team is focused on the present. After a defeat in Perth, they made a strong comeback in Adelaide to level the series and aim to carry that momentum into the third Test.

“We’re really focused on playing our style this week and hopefully going 2-1 up in the series,” Marsh said.

Australia’s challenge in Brisbane could depend on how they counter India’s Jasprit Bumrah. The world’s top-ranked bowler has been a major threat to Australia’s top order, dismissing Smith twice in three innings and accounting for other key batters like Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head.

Marsh, who has yet to be dismissed by Bumrah, believes the key to facing him is applying pressure, rather than just trying to survive.

“We know he’s probably the best bowler in the world. It’s about getting up for that challenge. You want to take the best in the world on,” Marsh said.

He added, “As a batting unit, we back each other’s plans. If you’re just trying to see him off, he’s going to have one with your name on it. It’s about applying pressure with your own method and taking the challenge on.”

The third Test begins in Brisbane on Saturday.