Internet Desk: Australian middle-order batsman Travis Head on Wednesday described the booing of Mitchell Marsh on Boxing Day as “pretty poor,” claiming that no Australian player should receive that sort of treatment on home soil.
Marsh was recalled to the Test XI at the expense of Victorian captain Peter Handscomb, Marsh’s ability to shoulder some of the load with the ball came in handy on a day in which rewards were few for the Australian attack.
The all-rounder bowled decently, finishing with 0-23 from 15 overs, providing support to frontline quicks Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Patrick Cummins.
Marsh’s performance came despite a less than welcoming reception from sections of the more than 70,000-strong MCG crowd. When introduced to bowl for the first time in the morning session, Marsh received an easily audible chorus of boos.
Head said it was no way for Australians to behave towards one of their own. “I don’t think it’s great,” Head said of his teammate’s treatment.
“Obviously we see it a bit with [Indian captain Virat] Kohli as well. But for Mitch, who worked his bum off today, I thought he bowled exceptionally well, I thought he created great pressure, in tough conditions, fought really hard. So I don’t think any Australian cricketer in Australia deserves to be booed.”
Head added that he understood that the parochial Melbourne crowd would have been disappointed for a hometown player to make way, but reiterated that the maligned Marsh, who only three months ago was named a vice-captain of the new-look Test side, shouldn’t be subjected to booing.
“I understand a Victorian crowd, and Petey obviously missing out, but I think it’s pretty poor,” Head said.
“[Marsh] showed today [that he is] a great team man, great fella, worked his backside off for the boys today, and I think he did a good job, so disappointing, so hopefully that won’t be the case for the next few days.”
Head said that Marsh was resilient, and therefore wouldn’t be overly perturbed by the way he was treated.
“He got on with business, he did his work, he bowled exceptionally well, did the job that was needed for the team, and that’s what Mitch has always done,” Head said.
“He’s always been someone to get the energy around the group, lead from the front. I think he did that in tough conditions, to grab the ball and bowl the way he did, was really good. He created a couple of chances as well.”