Marsh rapt with 'fantastic' return

Shaun Marsh says it feels “fantastic” to be back in the thick of the Indian Premier League action after he produced two match-winning knocks in a thriller against Rajasthan Royals.

The Kings XI Punjab batsman was called into the team to cover for injured skipper George Bailey and made the most of his chance, scoring a 40-ball 65 before belting three super-over boundaries to almost single-handedly set the Royals a target of 16.

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“It was fantastic to be back in the team, get a few runs and help the team get over the line,” Marsh told iplt20.com.

“It was a really important game for us tonight to go one up.

“(At one stage) we were playing catch up, but that win gives us the confidence and gets us back in the mix. So I am really happy.”

Marsh piloted the run-chase after the early losses of Kings XI teammates Murali Viray, Virender Sehwag and Glenn Maxwell, remaining cool under pressure despite not taking part in Punjab’s previous three matches.

Image Id: ~/media/4911856F66C84654B3D5FB3E80B77D06Shaun Marsh pulls during his innings against Rajasthan // BCCI

“We (Marsh and David Miller) had no choice but to continue and play really positively while chasing a decent total,” Marsh said.

“We knew that we were just one or two big overs away to get back in the mix and we did that.

“Davy did that and carried on and batted fantastically after I got out. To get to a super over was fantastic and I guess anything can happen.

“But we were lucky enough, we obviously got over the line and we are a happy team at the moment.”

Marsh and Australian teammate Mitchell Johnson were the super-over heroes as the Kings XI snatched a nine-run victory from Shane Watson’s Rajasthan Royals; Punjab’s second win of the 2015 season.

Image Id: ~/media/8B45C02F0444415F9E67F8B5CFEA1106Mitchell Johnson celebrates after dismissing Shane Watson for a duck // BCCI

Heading out with Miller to face a super over against Rajasthan’s Chris Morris, Marsh said he did not have a total in mind.

“We were just trying to hit the ball and hopefully pick a gap and try and get to a decent score,” he said.

“I think 16 was a decent total to defend, that put a bit of pressure on them and it always helps when you get wicket of the first ball.”

Johnson backed up his teammates’ efforts with the bat, dismissing Rajasthan skipper Shane Watson first ball and restricting the Royals to nine runs.

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“He is a world class bowler and obviously it was a huge wicket to get Watto out first ball.

“I think he did a fantastic job and that’s why he is one of the best bowlers in the world.

“For Wriddhiman Saha at the end to get a run out under pressure was also fantastic.”

“Wins like that can really get the confidence up in the group and hopefully that can kick start our campaign here.”