Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said that playing against India boosted by the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a packed stadium will be a great experience for his group. “Had the privilege of playing against them quite a lot over the journey,” Marsh told the media talking about playing against Rohit and Kohli.
“They’re obviously legends of the game, Virat is the greatest chaser ever in this format. I think you can see by the ticket sales that a lot of people want to come and watch them. To see the stadium packed out against India, it’s going to be a great experience for our group,” he added.
The two Indian icons will be taking the ground in national colours for the first time since winning the 2025 Champions Trophy back in March where India defeated New Zealand in the final. Kohl and Rohit have retired from the T20 format after the T20 World Cup in 2024 and also hung up their boots from Tests earlier this year.
Since then, Shubman Gill has taken up the mantle of captaincy in ODIs and Tests and will lead the Men in Blue against Australia in the upcoming 3-match ODI series. Following that, the two teams will face off in a 5-match T20I series where India will be led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
Meanwhile, Marsh said the ODI series will be a high-scoring one against India. “I believe it’s going to be a high scoring affair, but getting through the first 10 overs for both teams will be a challenge and maybe where the game’s won and lost,” he said. He also said Matthew Short is set to bat at No 3 for Australia in the opening fixture.
“We know he opens for Victoria and Strikers and in T20 cricket around the world. But we see no difference opening the batting and No 3. We’re comfortable with him batting there,” he said.
Australia will be depleted for the opening game of the three-match ODI as the likes of Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Cameron Green not available. Marsh said Green’s injury is “very minor” and his side is being cautious with it.
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“He’s okay, it’s on the very, very minor end. It’s a cautious take on it but he’s all good,” Marsh said.
The 33-year-old Marsh, however, downplayed his chances for selection in Australia’s squad for the Ashes. “I’ve got tickets to day one and two. Haven’t asked the wife yet, so that’s about as much thought as I’ve given it,” he quipped.
(With agency inputs)
