World Cup winner Mitch Marsh has “nothing to say” to say to the critics that wrote Australia off before a monster winter season where they claimed two global titles and retained the Ashes.
Instead he wants the focus to be on captain Pat Cummins and the leadership team that has engineered one of the most remarkable periods in Australian cricket.
Marsh was among a group of players to return home from India after three days of celebrations to cap a season where they beat India in the World Test Championship final, split the Ashes in England and silenced the biggest cricket stadium on the planet in a remarkable World Cup final victory.
As many of his teammates stay on for a widely-criticised Twenty20 series against India, Marsh, Cummins, all-rounder Cam Green and coach Andrew McDonald led a group returning home.
And the big all-rounder had a pointed message when asked to respond to the team’s naysayers.
“I have nothing to say to them. Except that it’s been an incredible year, this team has kind of gone from strength to strength under Patty’s leadership and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it,” Marsh said.
But it appears others in the group have a bit to say. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa posted an Instagram story with a mock receipt, referring to his own critics, before posting an excerpt from an interview with World Cup-winning skipper Michael Clarke comparing the team to the embattled Wallabies.
Marsh spent time after Sunday night’s victory celebrating with his famous father, Geoff, who steered Australia to its first ever World Cup victory. It came in the same country, 36 years ago.
“Amazing. It was 40 years ago Dad won in India and to, I guess, follow in his footsteps is pretty crazy,” he said.
“To have him there and celebrate winning a World Cup and he’s a past player, so the boys love having those guys in the changerooms and it was awesome.”
Now a strong chance to face Pakistan in the first Test of Australia’s summer in Perth, Marsh said he was pleased to have returned home.
“Unbelievable. It’s been a crazy 48 hours, but it is nice to be back on home soil,” he said.
“It’s always an exciting summer ahead of us, playing Pakistan who have played some great cricket this year and hopefully it’s no different throughout the summer.”