Cricket World Cup: Australia’s Mitchell Marsh warns side they must be at their best ahead of Netherlands showdown
Australian batsman Mitchell Marsh has hailed the success of the more unknown teams at the World Cup as “great for world cricket”.
Five-time world champions Australia meet the Netherlands in Delhi on Wednesday and would like to avoid a similar situation to what reigning champions England, Pakistan and South Africa have experienced this year.
Afghanistan stunned England and Pakistan by raising hopes of a semi-final spot, while the Netherlands claimed a similar result against South Africa in Dharmashala.
“Teams have gotten better and I think that’s great for world cricket, especially in tournaments like this that can last quite a long time,” Marsh said.
“We have said several times in this tournament that there are no easy matches.
“This match is no different for us. We respect the Netherlands, they play good cricket and it will be a tough challenge.”
Australia have recovered from early defeats to India and South Africa and revived their top four ambitions with victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Marsh scored 52 and 121 at the top of the order in those matches but can bat at three if Travis Head is fit after breaking his hand six weeks ago.
“Every game from now on is very important,” Marsh said. “Some teams have lost a few, and every World Cup match is high pressure and high stakes.
“We had a slow start and came under pressure at times. But we have played very good cricket in the last two games and the atmosphere is good.”
Dutch all-rounder Logan van Beek hopes that the team can continue to push boundaries in the run-up to Wednesday’s match.
“I hope another couple wins, then they can almost stop making jokes about cricket in the Netherlands,” he said.
“They (can) start talking seriously about how this is actually one of our best sports teams in the country.”
Watch live how Australia faces the Netherlands at the Cricket World Cup Sky Sports Cricket And Sky Sports main event on Wednesday, October 25 from 9:00 am. Also stream the entire tournament and more with NOW.