Australian all-rounder Mitch Marsh the long-awaited return to Big Bash League (BBL) did not go according to plan. The 33-year-old was dismissed for a golden duck in his first game for the Perth Scorchers in three years.
The excitement at Optus Stadium was palpable, with more than 30,000 fans turning out to see their hometown star back in action. Marsh, who last played for the Scorchers in the BBL11 final, was expected to bolster the batting line-up. But his return was disappointing when Melbourne Renegades pacer Will Sutherland trapped him lbw with his first delivery.
A nightmare start for Marsh
Coming in with high expectations, Marsh received a warm reception from the Perth crowd. But the excitement quickly faded. Sutherland, who was in fiery form, delivered a full length ball that came back to Marsh, catching him in front. Without much hesitation, Marsh left, accepting his fate with a brief consideration for review.
The dismissal stunned the stadium and set the tone for a challenging night for the Scorchers.
https://twitter.com/BBL/status/1876548394954461536
Marsh reflects on his return
Speaking to Fox Cricket ahead of the match, Marsh expressed his excitement at returning to the Scorchers after a long international stint.
“It’s been a long time. Obviously I love playing for the Scorchers and it was really nice to come home after a big series. I love playing here,” he said.
Despite the early setback, Marsh retained his signature sense of humour, introducing himself on the show as a “former Test star”.
The Scorchers struggle after a horror start
Marsh’s dismissal was not the only blow to Perth. Rising star Cooper Connolly, who leads the competition in the races, followed suit with a duck. Tom Rogers threw him the second ball, further deflating the crowd.
Captain Ashton Turner also fell cheaply for just eight runs, leaving the Scorchers at 47-4 after seven overs.
Marsh returned to domestic cricket just a week after being dropped from Australia’s Test squad. His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was unconvincing, with scores of 9, 5, 4, 2 and 0 in the last five innings. He struggled with both bat and ball, which led to him being replaced by Beau Webster in the final Test.
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