'There are absolutely no easy games,' says Marsh ahead of Dutch clash

Mitchell Marsh addresses the media yesterday. Pic/AFP

On the eve of their match against the Netherlands, Australia opener Mitchell Marsh accepted that the World Cup is becoming challenging as smaller teams have improved a lot. "The teams have got better. I think that's great for world cricket, certainly in tournaments like this, which can sometimes be pretty long. And you see many games that are not exactly close or competitive. But we've said it multiple times now in the tournament this year, there are absolutely no easy games," Marsh said at the pre-match media
interaction.

‘A tough challenge'

"And you go into every game having done all the appropriate homework, and hopefully, you can come out with a win. So, tomorrow [Wednesday] is no different for us. We respect the Netherlands; they're playing some good cricket and that will be a tough challenge," he added.

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Besides the race to the last-four berth, Australia have to take care of their poor form, listless bowling and uncharacteristically loose fielding. The form of batters like Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell is a major concern. According to reports, the Aussies have been waiting on Travis Head, who, reportedly, has recovered from injury and is ready to make his mark. His presence will boost the middle-order, which has to start setting up big totals for the bowlers to defend, supported by fielding.

No spin support for Zampa

Luckily, leg-spinner Adam Zampa found his rhythm in the last two games, but unluckily has no spin support at the other end. Much of the support has to be provided by three seamers - skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. If the team get their act together soon enough, they can still be a threat to the top three contenders. As for the Netherlands, if they can put up another good performance, making the Aussies fight hard for a win, that will give their cricket a much-needed boost as they have already exceeded the expectations of the Dutch fans. And another upset by them would send shock waves around the cricketing world.