BGT: Marsh Shows Faith in 'Exceptional Player' Smith to Bounce Back in Brisbane

Brisbane, Dec 12 (NationPress) Australia all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has voiced his belief in senior batter Steve Smith to score runs in the third Test against India in Brisbane after managing only 19 runs across three innings of the series to date.

Smith recorded scores of 0, 17, and 2 in the initial two Tests of the series. As the pressure mounts regarding his performance, Marsh referred to Smith as a 'class player' and expressed confidence in his capability to contribute for Australia in the upcoming Test after their convincing 10-wicket victory in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.

"We recognize he's one of our greatest players ever and I’m undoubtedly supporting him to score runs. I’m likely not in a position to advise Steve Smith on what he should concentrate on. We understand he's a class player who has amassed a significant number of runs for Australia, and we know that during crucial times, he consistently rises to the occasion," Marsh stated on Thursday.

India arrives at the Gabba following a setback in Adelaide, but they carry fond memories from their historic win at this ground during the 2020-21 series. That remarkable victory ended Australia’s unbeaten run at the venue and secured consecutive Test series victories for the visitors on Australian soil.

However, the hosts are concentrating on the present and are not reflecting on previous results. After facing a defeat in Perth, they made a strong comeback in Adelaide to level the ongoing series and aim to sustain that momentum in the third Test.

"The most important aspect for us is to focus on this week and not dwell on past events. Our recovery from Perth serves as a testament to that. We're truly committed to playing our style this week and hopefully taking a 2-1 lead in the series," Marsh remarked.

Australia's chances of overcoming India at the Gabba may depend on their ability to tackle Jasprit Bumrah. The world’s top-ranked bowler has been a challenge for Australia's top order, having dismissed Steve Smith two times in three innings and accounting for the other key batters - Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head - at least once each during the series.

Marsh, who has yet to be dismissed by Bumrah, believes that applying pressure rather than merely attempting to survive against the Indian spearhead is the optimal strategy to counter his threat.

"We recognize that he is currently likely the best bowler in the world. It’s about rising to that challenge; this is a significant series. You want to confront the best in the world. That is certainly my mindset. I’m eager to face him again," Marsh stated.

"I believe each batter has their own strategies. As a batting unit, we support each other's plans. When confronting the best bowler in the world, if you're only trying to see him off, he is bound to get you at some point. It's essential to apply pressure with your own methods and embrace the challenge," he added.

The third Test is set to take place in Brisbane starting Saturday.