Mitchell Marsh confident of filling in Faulkner's shoes

Melbourne, Feb 9 (IANS) Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh Monday said he is “pretty confident” of filling in for injured James Faulkner, who is expected to be fit till the side's third World Cup match against co-hosts New Zealand Feb 28.

Faulkner suffered a side strain Feb 1. The team's medical staff has not given a firm estimate of his expected recovery time. It is expected the left-arm seamer will miss both the Feb 14 opener against England and the Feb 21 match against Bangladesh.

In that case, the 23-year-old will have the responsibility of doubling up as the four-time world champions' second ace all-rounder after Shane Watson.

“I’m pretty confident, I’d obviously like to fill that role. It’s going to be fun and if I get a bit of an opportunity hopefully I can take it,” Marsh was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

The 23-year-old, however, picked up figures of none for 38 from the six overs he bowled and scored 21 runs against India in their warm up game in Adelaide, which the home side clinched by 106 runs Sunday.

Marsh further added he will continue to keep working at his death bowling.

“Obviously I’d like to keep working on my death bowling and keep being an option at the death. I think that’s really important to have as many options as we can and for me. It’s just about improving all facets so I’m really looking forward to that and hopefully I can just keep progressing,” he said.

“Losing James (Faulkner) means one of the all-rounders have to bowl a few more overs. So, I’m hoping that’s me but I guess that’s up to the selectors.”