Australia fast bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh on Friday insisted that resting his feet during the ODI World Cup trophy was not disrespectful and said he would not mind doing it again.
Shortly after Australia beat hosts India by six wickets in the title clash to win an unprecedented sixth men ODI World Cup title in Ahmedabad a picture of Marsh with his feet on the trophy was shared by skipper Pat Cummins on his Instagram account which created a huge furore on social media.
“Obviously there was no disrespect in that picture” Marsh said on SEN radio. I havent given it too much thought I havent seen much on social media even though everyone tells me it off. There nothing in it. ”
Marsh faced criticism from Indian fans especially pacer Mohammed Shami who later said he was “hurt” by his gesture in the photo. Asked if he would do it again Marsh said: “Yeah to be honest maybe.”
Four days after the 2023 Men ODI World Cup is played Australia and India will lock horns in a five-match T20I series the fourth of which will be held in Raipur on Friday. Marsh said scheduling bilateral tournaments immediately after a global event should be avoided in the future.
“Yes it was very humiliating for those who had to stay behind. It a good line because we have to respect the fact that we are playing for Australia and it a series against India which is always big.
“But there also the human side of it the boys have just won the World Cup and maybe they deserve to celebrate for a while and go home to their families. That interesting. You would expect that there wont be too many series again after the big tournaments.”
Steve Smith Adam Zampa Glenn Maxwell Marcus Stoinis Josh Inglis and Sean Abbott have returned home after featuring in the first three T20Is with Australia trailing 2-1 in the series and Travis Head the only member of the World Cup-winning squad. Now in India. “I celebrated for the six guys who got left behind I celebrated for them” Marsh signed off.”
