Despite the fact that the Australian deputy skipper Mitchell Marsh missed the chance to play the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai, he has taken tremendous strides as a batsman. Marsh, guilty of inconsistency in the initial stages of his career, struck a brilliant 162 against Pakistan A ahead of the first Test in Dubai but failed to make much of an impact scoring 12 and 0 as Australia escaped with a draw.

Having said that, Marsh reckons that him putting extra effort and concentration in his batting has helped improve his game and made him a lot more consistent.

During a recent interview with Cricbuzz, the all-rounder said, “Yes, I have come a long way in that sense. Eighteen months ago, I had no routine in between balls. I used to think a lot between balls and that was part of the mental game I really needed to improve. I feel that is where I have made my biggest strides in batting sense. Now, I’m more consistent than I have ever been in my preparations. The format doesn’t really matter. From a mental perspective, you need to play more shots in limited overs cricket, but my routine remains the same and that has helped me remain consistent.”

ALSO READ: Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh are Australia’s new Test vice-captain

The one aspect of his batting which Marsh has improved tremendously is facing spin. During his knock of 162 he looked a lot assured against spinners. He also suggested that his preparation during the winter has placed him in a better space and that practicing against spin is something he and his coach have been paying keen attention to.

Describing the same, Mitchell said, “My batting coach back home, Scott Meuleman, has had a massive influence on my cricket and my life really. We practice spin bowling in every net session now, which is something we don’t necessarily do a lot in Australia because we don’t face a lot of it. The ball doesn’t turn a lot back home, so it’s easier to play spin bowling in Australia. I have really focused a lot on my footwork against spin and also to score in different areas, hopefully, that will help me in the shorter formats as well. I know that is the area I need to improve and get better. Meuleman has had a big impact on me playing spin and how I go about it.”

Ahead of the second Test starting today, Australia skipper Tim Paine had suggested that he might reshuffle the batting order to get the maximum out of the batsmen. And it is likely that the tweak will involve Marsh. The younger Marsh brother batted at No. 4 in both innings at Dubai, but it is a possibility that he might be pushed a position down and promote Travis Head up.

ALSO READ: Tim Paine wants a victory more than a draw

With a high-profile four-Test series against India lined-up in December, Marsh pointed out that Australia is excited to be hosting the No. 1 team in the world.

Talking about that series, Marsh said, “We have spoken about it as a team. Every series we play for Australian is big. You try not to think about it too much, but there is a bit of excitement coming up against the best team in the world this summer. Hopefully, Australians get right behind us and we are going to need them.”