Mitchell Marsh reveals the toughest bowler he has faced

Western Australia captain Mitchell Marsh is no fresher against quality bowling as he has been well exposed to bowlers from all parts of the globe in his six years of International cricket, however, he believes the most challenging spells he came up against were on the subcontinent earlier this year.

Marsh made 48 runs in two Tests against India, scoring 4, 31, 0 and 13, before he headed back home mid-way with a shoulder injury that ultimately required a reconstruction. In that very tour, the right-hander came face to face with spin master Ravindra Jadeja, who he says is the bowler he has found most difficult to come face to face with, in his international career so far.

“Jadeja in Indian conditions was seriously challenging,” Marsh told Cricket.com.au. “The wickets up there, the turning wickets and he lands the ball in the same spot, and bowls fast, off-spin into the wicket.

“That was probably the most challenging spells of bowling that I’ve ever faced.”

Marsh alone hasn’t be the only victim of Jadeja’s dominance; the left-arm orthodox spinner has collected 155 wickets in 32 Tests at 23.60, and is ranked second on the ICC Test bowling rankings. Against the Australians this year, he scalped 25 wickets in four Tests.

Appreciation for Steyn and Rabada

Marsh also showered praise on South Africa pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn as the other outstanding bowlers he has come across. Rabada has picked five wickets in the three matches he has played in ongoing series against Bangladesh including a four-for 43 at Kimberly.

“Kagiso Rabada is a young talent, it’s a shame he’s so young – we’ve got to face him for the next 10 years,” he said, with a wry smile.

“He’s a real challenge and someone that’s going to take world cricket by surprise.”

Asked who he most enjoyed watching bowl, Marsh didn’t hesitate to name Proteas legend Steyn, who has been out of action since last summer because of fitness issues but owns a record that compares well with the best quicks there have been: 85 Tests, 417 wickets at 22.30, with a strike-rate of 41.4. Currently, he is preparing to make a comeback, possibly before India arrive in the country.

“Without a doubt Dale Steyn over the last couple of years,” he said. “It’s a shame that he’s had a few injuries now and he’s getting a bit old, but I just love everything about him: his run up, his action, his his action, his competitiveness.”

“And the fact that I got to know him off the field a little bit just through playing against him and stuff, and he was a true gentleman and a really nice guy, so he’s great to see,” he concluded.