Western Australia appoint Mitchell Marsh as skipper ahead of domestic season

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been bestowed with captaincy duties for Western Australia in the upcoming 2017-18 domestic season. The 25-year-old takes over the reign from the now-retired Adam Voges who took the state team to the domestic One-Day Cup title in 2014-15 season. Marsh, who has played 36 first-class and 32 one-day games for WA, looks extremely upbeat about his new role and is excited to take on the new challenge. In the interim, WA have named Marsh’s fellow all-rounder Ashton Turner as his deputy.

The right-hander was forced to take an 18-month sabbatical after being plagued by injuries. However, the state team authorities have shown trust in the all-rounder, who will play a crucial role for the side in the upcoming One-Day Cup. He will also lead them in the prestigious Sheffield Shield. WA finished fourth in the 50-over competition last year and will be aiming to win the trophy this time around under the tutelage of their new skipper.

Speaking about his new role, the dynamic all-rounder said, “I’m very proud to be named captain; there are some great past players that have lead Western Australia and I’m honored to be part of that.”

“We have a unique group, although it’s quite a young group, we have 22 guys that have great leadership qualities and we’re all one big leadership group. That’s also why I feel proud to be named captain because there were so many great candidates,” he further added while talking to cricket.com.au.

Marsh will not bowl at the start of the season

What comes as a surprise is that Marsh is unlikely to bowl at the start of the season. However, WACA head physiotherapist Nick Jones is confident that the new skipper will be available for the domestic season. Mitch has progressed gradually and his milestones serve as a testament to that.

He is thus expected to play in the One-Day Domestic Cup as a batter only while his bowling and throwing progressions will be gradually checked over the course of the next month. The WA state squad kick off their domestic campaign against New South Wales on September 29 at the WACA.