‘Wasn’t meant to be’ - Mitchell Marsh after falling prey to family's MCG curse

Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh struck a brilliant 96 before falling prey to Mir Himza at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. Notably, the hosts were 16/4 and needed something special to come out of the difficult situation. Marsh took control alongside Steven Smith and stitched an important 153-run partnership to bring Australia back into the contest.

Meanwhile, Marsh missed a well-deserved century in what is the third instance of someone from his family getting out right before a milestone at the iconic MCG. His elder brother Shaun was run out for 99 in the second innings of the Boxing Day Test against India in 2014 while his father Geoff made 86 against India in 1991. 

Speaking about missing the milestone, Marsh said that it was not meant to be. He added that there is a bit of history but he would aim to break it if he gets one more crack at it. He wanted to make it to the honours board but nevertheless, his 96 helped Australia post 187/6 in the second innings of the Test.

“I guess there is a lot of history at this ground with the Boxing Day Test and a bloody big honours board I was close to getting on, but it wasn’t meant to be. Shaun has technically still got me, so I guess there is a little bit of history there for us. But hopefully, I get one more crack at it,” Marsh said while talking to ABC.

There are a lot of voices inside your head at four for 16: Mitchell Marsh

Marsh revealed that there were a lot of things that were going on in his head when he came out to bat on Day 3. He was riding on his luck as Abdullah Shafique dropped a regulation catch when the all-rounder was batting on 20. He added 76 runs before edging Mir Hamza at slips. 

He played counter-attacking cricket during his time at the crease as he later revealed his intention to put pressure on Australia.

“There are a lot of voices inside your head at four for 16. But I think it just comes back to being true to myself (and) being really clear on my role within this team and knowing that how I play my best. I guess getting on the counterattack and being positive in that situation … it can almost put more pressure on you when there’s a couple of guys building a partnership," Marsh said.