• Source:JND
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AUS vs SL, ODI World Cup 2023: Australia's star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was one of the key players to have contributed to his team's first victory in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 on Monday.

He scored his first half-century of the tournament, scoring 52 runs in 51 balls to help his team beat Sri Lanka by five wickets at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

This was Australia's first win in the tournament as they earned the first two points, having lost the opening two games against India and South Africa.

After his crucial contribution to the victory, Marsh caught up with the broadcaster where he answered a cheeky question asked by Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar.

 

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On being asked about the coaching he received from his father Geoff, Marsh gave a hilarious response to Gavaskar.

Gavaskar, who had played against Mitchell Marsh's father Geoff took a jibe at the all-rounder's strike-rate, saying his father, who had a contrasting style of play in comparison to his son, must have taught him to play like this.

In response, Mitchell said that he is just trying to make up for his father's poor strike rates.

"Didn't your father ever teach you to play like this? (gestures with a defensive shot) Because all you're doing is BANG, BANG, BANG," said Gavaskar. In response, Marsh said: "I'm just making up for his poor strike rates".

Marsh was happy to have put up an effective performance that was a driving force for Australia to emerge victorious in the all-important clash. With the win, the semi-final hopes are still alive for the five-time champions.

"It was a really good day for us. We came into the game with a little bit of pressure after the slow start, but our experienced guys stood up today. We're away. I wouldn't say soul-searching but there was plenty of hurt [after the loss to South Africa]. Hopefully, that's a stepping stone for us in the right direction. Just making up for his [dad's] strike rate. I felt like I was batting well tonight and I probably got ahead of myself (on the run-out).

 

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"The boys were calm and the way we finished it off was great. I actually went for one over, but I was shut down. We have a heap of options - three quicks, Zampa, Maxwell, Stoin and myself. He [Cummins] always has a calm demeanor. The way he bowled and his bowling changes were fantastic. Inglis is a fighter and loves a contest. He plays spin well and backs his skills. First of all, he has power and hopefully, it's the start of a long career for him," Marsh said after the game.