“Something’s not 100% right with him” - Former Australia batter wants uncapped player to replace Mitch Marsh for BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Former Australia batter Simon Katich has raised concerns over Mitchell Marsh's fitness and his ability to chip in with more overs ahead of the fourth Border-Gavaskar series Test against India, endorsing Beau Webster as his replacement. Katich outlined that Marsh hardly looks fully fit, given he sent down only a couple of overs in Brisbane, especially when Josh Hazlewood was injured.

The West Australian bowled five overs for two wickets in the first dig in Perth, followed by 12 in the second innings. He sent down four wicketless and expensive overs in Adelaide, followed by a couple more in Brisbane, inviting questions about whether the 33-year-old was fully fit.

Speaking on SEN 1116, the 49-year-old said he has observed that Marsh hasn't bowled as many overs as expected of him.

"I’ve been saying for a couple tests, Mitch Marsh has not been able to bowl the volume of overs that everyone expected of him. Given the conditions and given he is a wicket-taker. We saw that in Perth, he bowled well on day one. Took some key wickets and then struggled to back up. I mean obviously the Aussie hierarchy know better then we do around where his fitness is at. But for him to bowl two overs the other day after Josh Hazlewood went down, that to me indicates something's not 100% right with him," Katich said.

With the bat, the 33-year-old chipped in with a solid 47 in the second innings in Perth but his scores have since read 9, 5, and 2.

Katich went on to suggest that Tasmania all-rounder Webster deserves to be in the squad after his consistent outings in the first-class circuit over the years, adding:

"At the end of the day, Beau Webster deserves to be in that squad. He’s done very well for Tassie in the last few years, he’s a genuine all-rounder given what his role is for Tassie and he plays that dual role with bat and ball."

In 93 first-class matches, Webster has scored 5297 runs along with picking up 148 scalps.

"I'll try and be ready to bowl as much as Patty needs me": Mitchell Marsh

Before the Brisbane Test, Marsh said he was thankful to the management for keeping him in the right stead to bowl and said (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo):

"I'll try and be ready to bowl as much as Patty needs me. Our allrounders haven't bowled a hell of a lot in Australia the last few years, but I am really thankful for our medical staff and Ronny [coach Andrew McDonald] and Patty who have allowed me the space between that first and second Test to just get right for the game."

The five-Test series is currently locked at 1-1.