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T20 World Cup: Shane Warne slams decision to leave WA’s Mitch Marsh out of team to face England

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
Australian cricket great Shane Warne was not impressed with the decision to leave out Mitch Marsh.
Camera IconAustralian cricket great Shane Warne was not impressed with the decision to leave out Mitch Marsh. Credit: AAP

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has slammed the decision to leave WA’s Mitch Marsh out of the line up for Sunday morning’s disastrous loss to rivals England at the T20 World Cup.

The Aussies were outplayed from the onset of the clash, and went on to suffer a humiliating eight-wicket loss.

England easily chased down the paltry 125 total in just 11.5 overs to rub salt into the Aussies’ wounds.

The shocking loss means Australia now need to win their final two pool matches to make it through to the next stage.

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Warne believes the decision to leave all-rounder Marsh out of the match hurt Australia’s chances.

“Disappointing selection from Australia leaving Marsh out & Maxwell batting in the power play (he should always come in after power play),” Warne posted.

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England's Jos Buttler celebrates his half century against Australia.
Camera IconEngland's Jos Buttler celebrates his half century against Australia. Credit: Aijaz Rahi/AP

“Stoinis should have gone in. Poor strategy & tactics from the Aussies. I love Smith but he shouldn’t be in the T/20 team. Marsh has to be!!”

Marsh is in superb form this year in T20 internationals, averaging more than 30 with the bat at a strike rate of 121. He’s also averaging 13.6 with the ball in 2021.

Australia's Pat Cummins reacts in the loss to England.
Camera IconAustralia's Pat Cummins reacts in the loss to England. Credit: Aijaz Rahi/AP

He came in at 3 in the Cup opener against South Africa and made 11, but wasn’t required to bat in the win over Sri Lanka.

Australia’s middle order collapsed against England on Sunday, with Smith (1), Maxwell (6) and Marcus Stoinis (0) all departing cheaply.

Only Aaron Finch (44 off 49) and WA’s Ashton Agar (20 off 20) showed any resistance before some late hitting by Pat Cummins (12 off 3) and Mitchell Starc (13 off 6) gave Australia something to bowl at.

“Proper T/20 cricket that from England! Australia will hopefully learn how they need to play after that smashing they copped from the Poms,” Warne posted.

“Australia need to change their thinking re style of play plus the team!!!!”

The Aussies will now face Bangladesh on November 4 before taking on the West Indies on November 6.

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