T20 World Cup: Australia stick with same 11 for Sri Lanka despite New Zealand beat, says Mitchell Marsh | Cricket News

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MELBOURNE: Champions Australia will keep faith in the 11 players who were in their humbled T20 World Cup opener against New Zealand as the hosts prepare to take on a resurgent Sri Lanka, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh said on Monday.
Australia were bowled out for 111 and lost by 89 runs in Sydney on Saturday, leaving their title defense on thin ice after a single game.
With batsman Steve Smith and all-rounder Cameron Green in reserve in the squad, some pundits have called for Australia to make changes for the next Super 12 match against former champions Sri Lanka in Perth on Tuesday.
But Marsh said selectors would give the players a chance to bounce back.
“As far as I know, we will play the same 11 (and) hopefully stay on course,” West Australian Marsh told reporters in Perth.

“The nature of the tournament, you lose one game, your back is against the wall and we know what lies ahead.
“I think what’s important for us is not to look too far ahead. We’ve got Sri Lanka tomorrow night. That’s all that matters to us.”
Marsh said Australia’s confidence had not been dented by the stinging defeat against the Black Caps, in which the famed pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were dismantled by the New Zealand batsmen.
He also said the champions would not be distracted by Faf du Plessis’ comments in a forthcoming book that South Africa suspected Australia of tampering long before the infamous Newlands Test in 2018.

Media has been publishing excerpts of the former Protea captain’s autobiography ‘Faf: Through Fire’ for the past few days ahead of its release.
Smith and opener David Warner were among three Australian players suspended for their part in the ball-tampering scandal.
Marsh said Warner, who was bowled for five against New Zealand, would have no problem handling extra scrutiny.
“Anytime we’ve seen him with his back against the wall, he’s always stood up for us,” Marsh added.



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