Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-19: 5 reasons why Marsh brothers can be the trump card for Australia

Well, many of us heaped praises on Steve Smith for his mettle in the middle for the Ashes triumph in 2017-18. His form was a major boost to the side as he flawlessly executed his game and led his side for a victory by a 4-0 margin. In fact, this series was one of the worst outings for the English side after their ill-fated 2013-14 tour and Smith’s consistency was a primary reason behind it.

As a skipper, he led by an example, but one shouldn't discount the contribution from Marsh brothers. The only reason for cementing the spots in the longest format of the game would be this series.

As the ‘leadership group’ is out of the action for a year, the responsibility on both of them would be huge. Shaun and Mitchell Marsh are now expected to play the role of an anchor in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series and let’s now look at top five reasons why they are an indispensable asset to the depleted Australian side.

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#1 Pressure from experts and fans

Pressure and extreme criticism, in turn, motivates a player to perform better. There are many instances for the same. Virat Kohli, who was a bunny for Anderson in 2014 Test series, didn't sacrifice his wicket in 2018. Similarly, Faf du Plessis who was brutally trolled for hampering the condition of the ball from the Aussie fans, came out all guns blazing against the home side at Adelaide with a scintillating century (2016-17 Test series)

Shaun and Mitch failed miserably in the recently concluded UAE tour as they registered single digit averages. Jeff Lawson and many other legends questioned their inclusion for the upcoming series against India. Mental strength matters a lot and after a series of failures, Marsh brothers will be certainly looking forward to making a statement to the critics and fans.

#2 Consistent domestic performances

Last few weeks turned out to be a memorable one for the brothers. While Shaun was brimming with confidence, Mitchell was so aggressive in his approach as a skipper and also as a batsman.

Shaun won two Man of the match awards for the side after his dismal display at UAE. His knock of 163 ensured Western Australia to come out in flying colours as they chased a target of 313 against Southern Australia. He also established himself as one of the most reliable finishers for the WA side as his quick-fire 98 off just 92 deliveries sealed the game against Tasmania.

On the other hand, Mitchell Marsh, the skipper of Western Australian side scored a brilliant 151 against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield 2018-19. These knocks gave the much-required boost for them to give their best in the series down under.

Western Australian side is now placed second in Sheffield Shield 2018-19 and their valuable contribution has been one of the reasons.

#3 Home advantage

Playing a Test match at home is always an advantage. Australia have lost only one Test series in recent times (against Proteas in 2016-17). This shows the dominance exhibited by them on the opposition.

A controversial call-up for Mitchell Marsh for the third Test at Perth raised eyebrows among a lot of critics and experts. He proved them wrong with a swashbuckling 181 which in turn sealed the series for Australia.

Both of them faced Stuart Broad and James Anderson without any pressure and the home advantage made them feel so better. Shaun scored over 445 runs, the second highest run scorer next to Smith while his sibling scored over 320 runs in just four innings.

The brothers will be looking forward to replicating the same in the upcoming series and it will be a herculean task for Indian pace attack to stem their run flow.

#4 Middle order stability

The void left by Steve Smith is very evident from the recent performances of the side. A fragile middle order cost them the series as they weren’t able to handle the pressure in spin-friendly UAE pitches.

Though Cricket Australia tried a variety of combinations in the past 12 months, they weren’t able to show some grit and determination. If Marsh brothers are at their brutal best, they can easily turn the match in side’s favour and decimate the opposition.

Shaun Marsh displayed his ability to bat with lower order in the Adelaide Test at the Ashes. He even was adjudged the Man of the match for his innings in that D/N game. It is to be noted that his efforts with Handscomb, drew the game at Ranchi last year.

Marsh brothers would be hopeful of recreating another Sydney magic by amassing twin centuries and it will be interesting how Indian bowlers will execute their tactics against the duo.

#5 Shaun's experience and Mitch's role as an all-rounder

Being the elder most member of the side, Shaun's presence matters a lot in the dressing room and he has reflected the same through his performances in ODIs.

Shaun was called back for the limited overs side earlier this year and he lived up to the expectations of selectors by amassing three centuries (2 against England, 1 against South Africa). Though all of them were in a losing cause, his presence gave the side a confidence to face hindrances.

After being appointed as the deputy to Paine, Mitch hasn't shown his master class. He can come handy to the skipper as a fifth bowling option. It is to be noted that Marsh's bowling figures aren't so bad and he can chip in to create some pressure on the opposition.

With all the five above stated reasons, the Marsh brothers will certainly be the one to watch out for and the team's coach Justin Langer has enormous faith on the duo. Can they match his standards? Only time will tell.