Allrounder hopes to reward selectors for sticking with him in the Baggy Green
Marsh on a mission to repay the faith
As Australia's batsmen filled their boots last summer on flat wickets against uninspired bowling attacks, Mitchell Marsh watched on from the sidelines, conflicted.
On one hand he was elated for his teammates as they racked up run after run and broke records at will in another undefeated Test season.
On the other hand, he was desperate to get a piece of the action, to cash in like those ahead of him in the batting order who had accrued enough credits in the batting bank to put a down payment on their Test residency for the next 12 months, if not more.
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But in the eight chances he did get at the crease across the six Tests in 2015-16 – three each against New Zealand and the West Indies – Marsh failed to capitalise, managing only 109 runs at 18.
"It was certainly tough last year," Marsh told cricket.com.au.
"Our batters had an amazing summer and I watched a lot of them make a lot of runs, which is great as a teammate because that's all you want – your team to succeed.
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"I had limited opportunities to score runs but when I did I didn't quite grab them.
"In Test cricket you're always under pressure to score runs, because that's your job and that's what you get picked for.
"That's what Test cricket is all about – it's about grabbing your opportunities first and foremost and performing for the team. I'll be looking to do that in the future."
While those numbers don't reflect the true batting talents of the 24-year-old, he was often hamstrung by the game situation where there was little to gain for an allrounder earnestly trying to cement his spot at No.6.
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On five occasions last summer, Marsh walked out to the middle with an imperious total behind him and an instruction to either get quick runs or bat time for a declaration.
Despite the dearth of runs and the questions over his position becoming louder, the national selectors were unwavering in their support of the Western Australian.
And as much as Marsh wants to produce an innings of substance to help his team and lock down his spot in Australia's first-choice Test XI, he also wants to reward the selectors and his support network for sticking with him as he finds his feet in the Baggy Green.
"I can't speak highly enough of the coaching staff," Marsh said.
"The selectors have continued to back me in, they've given me a great opportunity.
"My goal is to first and foremost succeed for myself and the team, but repay the faith the selectors and Boof (coach Darren Lehmann) have had in me.
"He (Lehmann) shows me a lot of support. As well as being a great coach he's just a good mate and I really enjoy our relationship.
"Long may it continue and hopefully I can score a few runs for him."
Marsh makes no excuses for his struggles with the bat, dismissing the notion that the frequent travel and swapping between the game's three formats have a negative impact on a batsman's output.
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In fact, Marsh said oscillating between five-day, 50-over and 20-over cricket had accelerated his learning since making his Test debut in October 2014.
"It is tough with the amount of cricket that we play, but you just learn to adapt," he said.
"I think playing different formats helps your game in all areas.
"Whether it be or Twenty20 or Test match cricket, the more time you spend in the middle, the more games you play, the more experience you get and the more you learn about yourself as a player.
"I think it's great. Certainly as a young guy in the Australian set-up every game you play for Australia you love every moment of it. The more games you play the better it is.
"For me, I've learned a lot over the past 18 months. I don't think you stop learning as person throughout your whole life. I'll continue to do that and hopefully I'll keep improving."