Not sending Marsh to World Cup means sending wrong batsmen: Roebuck

MELBOURNE - Noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck has applauded Shaun Marsh for his timely innings which saved the Australian team from another humiliation at the hands of England.

Marsh was the hero of Friday’s 46-run win over England, making 110 after only being called into the one-day team to replace the injured Mike Hussey.

“Long before his dismissal, watching Poms were bemused that he had not appeared in the Ashes series or in previous one-day contests. Assisted by Cameron White and, incredible to relate, Doug Bollinger, the talented left-hander turned around the Australian innings and along the way gave both sides plenty to think about,” Roebuck wrote in his column.

“Apart from anything, Marsh’s impressive contribution confirmed that the selectors are sending the wrong batsmen to the World Cup. After all, he is not in the squad. It’s not entirely their fault,” The Age quoted him, as saying.

“He has been injured and anyhow it is ridiculous to force countries to name their squads a month before hostilities are due to begin. Apparently it’s an attempt to placate printers anxious to get their magazines on the racks. If so, the cart is pulling the horse,” he said.

Roebuck said that omitting Marsh and other bright players is another black mark against the selection panel, and added that throughout a stuttering innings Marsh stood between his team and debacle.

“Marsh was the only batsman to display the required tenacity and skill. He is used to facing the new ball and as a left-hander adds versatility to the line-up. Here, he looked comfortable against the spinners as well, and reached his hundred with a succession of lusty blows against them,” he wrote. (ANI)