Mitchell Marsh returns for the Champions Trophy

John Inverarity has selected Mitchell Marsh for the ICC Champions Trophy that starts on June 6 in England. He returns to the ODI squad after a gap of two years as his last appearance in ODI was against South Africa in 2011. He also played just the one Twenty20 international match against India in February 2012.

Mitchell Marsh had a good season for the Warriors, accumulating 278 runs at an average of 69.50, including a century against Tasmania. He was so disciplined while batting that his performances ultimately earned him a place in the Champions Trophy squad. He has been one of the more consistent players in 50-over format, as he averages 39.90 with the bat and 24.85 with the ball in 27 matches.

“We all know what a talented batting allrounder he is,” John Inverarity, the national selector, said of Marsh, “and we look to him to fulfil the faith we have in him because he’s a very talented cricketer.”

Adam Voges returns for the Champions Trophy and brings in the much-needed experience in the batting order. Also, fast-bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile has been picked for the Champions Trophy.

“Nathan Coulter-Nile is an emerging cricketer as a fast-medium bowler and explosive lower-order batsman,” Inverarity said. “He is also one of the finest fieldsmen in Australian cricket and the energy he brings to his game is impressive. While Nathan has played a T20 International for Australia, we are looking forward to seeing him take his very good domestic limited overs form onto the world stage.”

James Faulkner’s inclusion stabilizes the batting order. Also, Mitchell Starc has retained his place in the squad and will be expected to deliver the goods as wickets in England provide both pace and bounce. Mitchell Johnson was also named by the national selector John Inverarity. But James Pattinson has been rested for the Champions Trophy to keep him fresh for the Ashes tour.

“As discussed last week at the Ashes squad announcement, James Pattinson and Ryan Harris haven’t been selected but will play for Australia A to prepare them for the Ashes,” Inverarity said. “Some who were close to selection included Steve Smith, Aaron Finch and Moises Henriques. However Steve and Moises will play for Australia A while the ICC Champions Trophy is being played.”

Richardson was not picked for the Champions Trophy despite having a handsome average in the domestic league. David Hussey, too, has been left out of the Champions Trophy following a poor show in the recent past. The selectors must be thinking of giving new young blokes a chance by keeping David Hussey out of the side.

Inverarity named Paine as wicketkeeper to keep Haddin and Wade fresh for the Ashes Series in England. He also named George Bailey as the vice-captain for the ICC Champions Trophy. “That was discussed,” Inverarity said of Wade as a potential vice-captain, “but we went with George last [summer] and he captained three of the ODIs and two victories there, and as T20 captain he’s had captaincy experience and is very highly regarded by the players.”

John Inverarity also pointed out that the ICC Champions Trophy is the perfect platform for Australia to regain the number one spot in the rankings. “The ICC Champions Trophy is another important step in our aim to get back to the number one ranking. As the two-time defending champion, the squad has been selected with the aim of winning the tournament, starting against England at Edgbaston on 8 June, while also keeping the 2015 ICC World Cup firmly in mind.”

Champions Trophy Squad: Michael Clarke (Captain), George Bailey (vice-captain), Coulter-Nile, Doherty, James Faulkner, Tim Paine, Mitchell Johnson, David Warner, Philip Hughes, McKay, Mitchell Marsh, Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Adam Voges, Shane Watson and Mathew Wade.